Castrol Blend 5W-30 Saturn Aura 7775 miles

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From a 2008 Saturn Aura with a 3.5L V6, 26860 miles on the car and 7775 miles on the oil, I used the GM oil life monitor down to 0% left. Using Castrol synthetic Blend 5W-30 oil and an AC Delco PF-61 filter.
The engine holds 4 quarts, the oil lasted a little more than 4 months.

Iron 24
Molybdenium 7
Copper 87
Silicon 9
Sodium 174
Boron 6
Calcium 2304
Phosphorous 485
Zinc 598
Solids .1
Glycol NEG
Water Viscosity Cst@40 57
PH 5.2
TBN 2.18
Fuel dilution 1.1%

All other reported values was Zero.
Are the metal values too high?
The fuel may be because the car was only driven 3 miles before the oil change.
 
Nice to see a Castrol Blend UOA.

This engine looks like it still has break-in to go through. These engines seem to wear pretty well past break-in so you still may need to give it time to see those metals drop.

I'd keep using the OLM and stick with the Castrol Blend. Nice vehicle.
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Do you do mainly city driving? That would explain the fuel.
 
It looks good. Good TBN, Still in grade.

But I still hate how these GM motors shed copper.
 
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Not bad results, but I wouldn't go this long on a 'young' GM engine. Syntec blend held up well - maintained visc. and TBN.
 
I don't get it. The V6 Aura/Malibus only have 4 quart sumps, but the tiny 4cyl Ecotecs have a 5 quart sump? Not too bad for 7500 miles. It looks identical to an LSx V8 with all that copper. Keep doing what you're doing, mabye pull it back to 10-15% OLM changes.
 
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I agree that it's good to see a UOA of Castrol Syntec Blend, not many of these lately. I wouldn't go more than 6K on this oil. 7700 miles is entirely too long. 1.1% Fuel dilution isn't helping any.
 
Ooopps, I meant Formula Shell. The Super Shell would clean that motor out but good though ... ... Senior Moment of the Day Award.
 
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Originally Posted By: zulu
I don't get it. The V6 Aura/Malibus only have 4 quart sumps, but the tiny 4cyl Ecotecs have a 5 quart sump? Not too bad for 7500 miles. It looks identical to an LSx V8 with all that copper. Keep doing what you're doing, mabye pull it back to 10-15% OLM changes.


The 'Euro' design of the Ecotec motor gives it more oil capacity to handle longer drain intervals. The American V-6's are designed to go 3k only on cheap dino, so no need for extra capacity...
 
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