Filter pictures HPL 0W30 6,000 miles, 2002 Volvo XC70

[TiGeo]

I have to confess that this is the first filter I cut.

So, there is a possibility that this is normal

I really struggle with this kind of thing b/c now you are really looking for it vs. before and with no before/baseline, tough to say much. I'm not sure you would have seen it if it was there which it could have been all along. Who knows. Good stuff either way.

 

[OVERKILL]

I really struggle with this kind of thing b/c now you are really looking for it vs. before and with no before/baseline, tough to say much. I'm not sure you would have seen it if it was there which it could have been all along. Who knows. Good stuff either way.

Just as a counter-point, I cut all my filters and my back to back of M1 EP 0W-20 and HPL 0W-20 showed a dramatic difference.

 

[SatinSilver]

@Astro14, did you use the cleaner before switching to the HPL 0W-30?

I was wondering the same thing. HPL Engine Cleaner to be exact.

 

[Astro14]

I was wondering the same thing. HPL Engine Cleaner to be exact.

No engine cleaner used.

Just a straight switch to HPL.

The engine had been run on quality synthetic oils, most of which meet A3/B4, since we bought it with 90,000 miles on it in 2007.

When I did a pan drop, at about 180,000 miles to clean up the PCV system, there was some varnish, but no sludge.

Knowing that, and the history of oil changes, I didn’t think I needed the engine cleaner first, I just switched over.

 

[TiGeo]

No engine cleaner used.

Just a straight switch to HPL.

The engine had been run on quality synthetic oils, most of which meet A3/B4, since we bought it with 90,000 miles on it in 2007.

When I did a pan drop, at about 180,000 miles to clean up the PCV system, there was some varnish, but no sludge.

Knowing that, and the history of oil changes, I didn’t think I needed the engine cleaner first, I just switched over.

Dave has said that the oil itself has more of an aggressive cleaning effect than the EC.

 

[4WD]

I really struggle with this kind of thing b/c now you are really looking for it vs. before and with no before/baseline, tough to say much. I'm not sure you would have seen it if it was there which it could have been all along. Who knows. Good stuff either way.

 

[Astro14]

Dave has said that the oil itself has more of an aggressive cleaning effect than the EC.

Yes. And I knew that before the switch.

Knowing that the engine was relatively clean, I jumped right in.

There is nothing excessive or concerning in the filter, but I do find the carbon interesting.

 

[4WD]

I have cut every filter that’s ever been on my 2017 5.3L … no visible solids - spun on a new filter at halfway OLM with EC + a fresh quart of oil … We will see … if nothing - will step it up later …

 

[TiGeo]

I have cut every filter that’s ever been on my 2017 5.3L … no visible solids - spun on a new filter at halfway OLM with EC + a fresh quart of oil … We will see … if nothing - will step it up later …

Interested to hear what you find!

 

[Titan]

An update. Another 6,000 mile run. Same oil. Same Mahle filter.

Same carbon. Heavy deposits on the bottom of the pleats, but carbon particles in the folds of all the pleats.

I had planned to stretch the change interval out, but as the oil got very dark, and I’m finding the carbon, I’m going to stick to 6,000 mile intervals, until it settles down a bit.

Same oil back in. HPL Euro 0W30.

Just ordered another case.


Fascinating. View attachment 141108

My WIX filter had this same color after 5000 miles of HPL Euro 5w30, but, without the specks. Pennzoil LX 0w30 turns the same WIX filter material an obvious reddish color. Perhaps some cleaning causing the change in color with the HPL? I wouldn't be surprised if extra cleaning is the reason, but, that's only conjecture. I'll be headed back to HPL in about 10,000 miles (two OCI's of LX in my stash to use up).

 

[nthach]

I just changed it and didn't borescope the sump - but that is a good suggestion and I will try to remember to do that next oil change.

You should find an excuse to go into SFO and see if the TechOps guys have any connections for a UOA.

 

[buster]

How are HPL oils tested for seal compatibility? I assume that is accounted for by the pre-approved additive package before messing with it?