High copper opinions 4.6L 3 Valve Mustang

[ers61]

I have a 2006 Mustang Shelby GT-H. 4.6, 3 valve, 36,500 miles. It's never raced or even ran hard. No engine mods, all factory.

On the advice from Blackstone Labs, I disregarded time and changed oil at mileage, instead of time elaspsed. Mileage was at 4475 and time between changes was almost 4 years. Obviously, I don't drive much. I was skeptic at the time to do such, but convinced myself to not overkill. Next time, I'll go back to my former, of changing yearly at whatever the low mileage is (estimated to be about 1500 miles). Try not to beat me up too bad, because I really feel stupid on this one.

So, opinions appreciated on why the high copper? Because the oil, contrare to what Blackstone advises, was almost 4 years old or what?

Both the 2021 & the 2025 UOA are below.

Thanks

 

[Rob_Roy]

3x the mileage, 3x the copper. I suspect the usage pattern of the engine has more to do with the results than anything. Enjoy the car and change the oil every couple years.

 

[Cujet]

Non issue. Change the oil and go on your way. Don't use ultra thin oil. The 3V engines do better on 5W-30 or 10W-30. The oil pump backing plates and chain tensioners tend to leak a bit. This can, over time lead to oil starvation at the heads and insufficient oil for the phasers.

I know you mention that you don't run it hard. Keep in mind that these engines have plenty of internal oil leaks, hence my recommendation for a slightly higher viscosity. Low RPM coupled with low oil pressure is how they fail. Spirited driving provides more pressure and therefore better oil flow to the heads which keeps the heads/cam bearings happy.

 

[twX]

If the engine has an oil cooler, that's probably where the copper's coming from. The copper might slowly corrode from the oil cooler even when the engine isn't running, so you might expect it to be higher than normal on a 4-year OCI.

If the copper was coming from bronze, you'd expect it to be accompanied by a significant amount of tin and maybe lead.

 

[OVERKILL]

If the engine has an oil cooler, that's probably where the copper's coming from. The copper might slowly corrode from the oil cooler even when the engine isn't running, so you might expect it to be higher than normal on a 4-year OCI.

If the copper was coming from bronze, you'd expect it to be accompanied by a significant amount of tin and maybe lead.

The modulars, AFAIK, all have bi-metal bearings.

 

[cryptolyme]

try a 0w30/5w30 oil