Kendall semi-syn 5w-30; 5k miles; Pathfinder 100

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Just received my oil analysis AND an interesting email in response to my question about syntetic vs. syntetic blend.

2005 Nissan Pathfinder v6
Oil Use Interval: 5,542mi
Oil: Kendall synthetic blend 5W-30
(just changed to Mobil 1 full syn after collection)



First, the report:

This is a nice report for your Pathfinder as it crosses the 100,000-mile mark. Wear metals are low and in correct proportion to each other when you compare this sample to universal averages. Those averages show typical wear levels for this type of engine after about 5,600 miles on the oil. Silicon could be abrasive dirt so it never hurts to check the air filtration system. With the low wear here though, we're thinking it's probably a harmless sealer or additive. The trace of fuel won't hurt anything. Try 7,500 miles on the next oil.


Second, here's my question after receiving the report:
"The analysis in this report was on a synthetic blend. I just switched to Mobil 1 full synthetic. Would you still recommend 7,500mi or could/should I go longer? Also, does time matter as my wife no longer works and it will likely take more than 12 months to get 7,500 miles on this vehicle."

Blackstone response:
"Thanks for the email. Both the synthetic and syn blend should be able to handle the 7,500 miles. We don't see much difference in wear or longevity of the oil between the blends and full synthetics. Time on the oil really doesn't matter a whole lot. We have customers that don't drive much who keep the oil in use 2 or 3 years, sometimes longer and it's fine. Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions."
 
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Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
How about posting the actual numbers from the report?


MI/HR on Oil: 5,542
MI/HR on Unit: 100,907
Sample Date: 3/23/2013
Make Up Oil Added: 0 qts

ELEMENT / 1ST COLUMN / LAST COLUMN (UNIVER AVE)
ALUMINUM 3 / 4
CHROMIUM 0 / 1
IRON 8 / 11
COPPER 2 / 8
LEAD 1 / 3
TIN 4 / 1
MOLYBDENUM 76 / 76
NICKEL 0 / 0
MANGANESE 0 / 1
SILVER 0 / 0
TITANIUM 93 / 1
POTASSIUM 2 / 2
BORON 38 / 47
SILICON 48 / 18
SODIUM 8 / 45
CALCIUM 2518 / 2324
MAGNESIUM 13 / 126
PHOSPHORUS 734 / 681
ZINC 851 / 805
BARIUM 0 / 0

SUS Viscosity @ 210°F: 57.6 / 54-61
cSt Viscosity @ 100°C: 9.53 / 8.5-10.8
Flashpoint in °F: 365 / >365
Fuel %: TR / Antifreeze %: 0 / 0
Water %: 0 / 0
Insolubles %: 0.4 / TBN
TAN
ISO Code
 
I'm not a fan of extending oil intervals without a TBN. I would run the Mobil 1 you mentioned in the other thread 7500 miles and get another analysis with TBN and take it from there.

Otherwise, this report looks good. Silicon is high but doesn't seem to be affecting the numbers drastically. What is your air filter and air filter service history? I would look the intake and PVC over to check for leaks as a precaution.
 
Hmm... that silicon does look fairly high, yet wear metals are low.

As for ability to extend OCIs, it'd depend on how the vehicle will be operated. If it's mainly short trips, I'd be cautious. If it's longer trips, then it may be OK. I'd still feel more comfortable getting a TBN to confirm, as REDDOG mentioned.
 
Originally Posted By: REDDOG
I'm not a fan of extending oil intervals without a TBN. I would run the Mobil 1 you mentioned in the other thread 7500 miles and get another analysis with TBN and take it from there.

Otherwise, this report looks good. Silicon is high but doesn't seem to be affecting the numbers drastically. What is your air filter and air filter service history? I would look the intake and PVC over to check for leaks as a precaution.



I put a K&N filter in at 65K. What is a TBN?
 
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Hmm... that silicon does look fairly high, yet wear metals are low.


About every 3-4 months my engine light comes on (OBDII P0430) telling me the O2 sensor (or Cat) is failing. I simply (and probably ignorantly) throw a bottle of sea foam in the tank (did that once to clear a carbon sensor code), turn off the code and keep driving.

Firestone told me I need all new cats, air flow sensors and o2 sensors. I think that's crazy at only 100K mi. Is what I just described factoring into the higher silicon levels?

Should I clean my K&N Filter?
 
Originally Posted By: alaskanseminole
Should I clean my K&N Filter?

What kind of filter is it exactly? Is it much different from a stock filter. Some of these so called "performance" filters improve airflow at the expense of letting more dirt into the engine. Dirt intake would show up as increased silicon on the report.

If that's the case, I'm afraid cleaning the K&N will just open its airflow even more and make the issue worse. Switch back to a more efficient filter.
 
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: alaskanseminole
Should I clean my K&N Filter?

What kind of filter is it exactly? Is it much different from a stock filter. Some of these so called "performance" filters improve airflow at the expense of letting more dirt into the engine. Dirt intake would show up as increased silicon on the report.

If that's the case, I'm afraid cleaning the K&N will just open its airflow even more and make the issue worse. Switch back to a more efficient filter.


This is my exact filter...I've used these for years. 90K on my Mazda (with proper cleaning too)

http://www.knfilters.com/search/product.aspx?prod=33-2286
 
Not sure what the efficiency of this one is. Does it fit well? Have you checked if you don't have any holes in your intake (unfiltered air being sucked in)?
 
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Not sure what the efficiency of this one is. Does it fit well? Have you checked if you don't have any holes in your intake (unfiltered air being sucked in)?


Yes, it fits like a glove, although I haven't checked it since last time I cleaned it. Not sure about unfiltered air being sucked in (holes, etc.) I'll do a complete intake inspection when I get home.
 
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