Castrol GTX 10W-40, 5000 miles (blown head gasket)

[raising_arizona]

This was the first analysis for our 1998 Ford Escort. We took it to our mechanic, and indeedy-do, cylinder #4 was leaking, so we had it fixed. The car has 100 000 miles on it. It had an intermediate oil change after the repair, and this weekend I'm going to put some Castrol Syntec 10W-30 in it.

I was really impressed with Blackstone. They actually called us when they saw the results.

 

[Last_Z]

Assuming Blackstone's universal averages are based on 5000 miles and keeping in mind 1.6% of the oil is antifreeze; this report is not bad at all! I have seen worst than that without antifreeze and/or dirt ingestion.

Anyway, glad you got that fixed asap. I'd keep the first interval to 500. Do the next at 1500, then back to normal!

 

[Last_Z]

Oh yeah, I think the thicker viscosity may have saved your butt here by keeping a thicker layer of oil between moving parts. I'd figure thinner oil would allow more antifreeze to make contact with bearings, etc!

 

[TR3-2001SE]

Good show! This is the reason we all do UOA's to catch things early. Cheap insurance if you ask me. I have lost at least one car to head gasket failure.

 

[Cutehumor]

I would do several 4-5 oil changes, every 1k miles, to get the antifreeze out then retest. This antifreeze was turning the oil to sludge.