how will swapping out an oil filter mid way through an OCI affect the used oil analysis results? how long after the change 'til the used oil analysis is no longer skewed? I changed my filter a few k mi into the OCI to get rid of a tick and am wondering if its worth getting a used oil analysis this time, or will the data be tainted.
mid-OCI filter change affect on UOA
- Thread starter sky jumper
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If you didn't add any make up oil it will not affect the used oil analysis at all. If you added make-up oil the amount will affect the results.
What a ridiculously odd coincidence. I did the same thing for the exact same reason, and was going to do a used oil analysis here after a while. Originally put on a Purolator PureONE, but my valve tick got louder, so off it goes, along with whatever oil came out, and on went a Purolator Premium Plus (got em both on sale
). Anyways, after I changed the filter, I had to top it off with about a 1/3 quart of Havoline (different brand than what was in the crankcase), and I then realized that if I was going to do a used oil analysis, it now probably wouldn’t mean ****, other than I would know if I had a coolant leak or not [I have the 3.1L GM].
Also, I just thought of something else: can a filter hold (a significant amount of) water or coolant? I seem to remember some bypass filter manufacturers saying that their filters "removed up to XXX amount of water" from the oil. Since I'll really only be doing a used oil analysis to check for a coolant leak or massive engine damage, would changing the filter mid way through an OCI hide a small coolant leak?
Also, I just thought of something else: can a filter hold (a significant amount of) water or coolant? I seem to remember some bypass filter manufacturers saying that their filters "removed up to XXX amount of water" from the oil. Since I'll really only be doing a used oil analysis to check for a coolant leak or massive engine damage, would changing the filter mid way through an OCI hide a small coolant leak?
Triple_Se7en
$50 Site Donor 2024
Well....
Did changing the filter brand get rid of that tick?
Did changing the filter brand get rid of that tick?
it did quiet it down, but did not completely eliminate it. if I listen very carefully I can still hear it. I don't think its a lifter. I think its the timing chain tensioner. the engine is a Nissan VQ30 which is supposed to be known for these noises coming from the timing chain area. for me, a Mobil 1 filter made the clacking noise louder, and the OEM filter softened it. I'm guessing its a matter of oil pressure.
Believe it or not, the tick was less noticeable/went away quicker with the Premium Plus than with the PureONE. And no, I wasn't dreaming; I'm always the first one to doubt my senses in a situation like that. It really did improve. Here's what that means though: for MY car, with MY mileage, with MY maintenance history, in MY climate, it likely contributed to an audible improvement in the lifter tick in ONE INSTANCE. That's it, if there's anything to "conclude" at all.
And FYI, here's a description of the issue:
1) I start my car.
2) First 5 seconds or so, no "abnormal" sounds
3) After that, there is a slight ticking noise for approximately 20 seconds, which then quickly fades.
4) Car runs quiet as a mouse thereafter. Amazingly quiet, actually.
After the filter switch, the ticking sound in step 3 went away more quickly (significantly less than 20 seconds). The change was immediate (noticeable difference that same day, the next, and from there on), otherwise, I would have attributed it to the weather warming up/warmer oil/reduced viscosity, etc.
And FYI, here's a description of the issue:
1) I start my car.
2) First 5 seconds or so, no "abnormal" sounds
3) After that, there is a slight ticking noise for approximately 20 seconds, which then quickly fades.
4) Car runs quiet as a mouse thereafter. Amazingly quiet, actually.
After the filter switch, the ticking sound in step 3 went away more quickly (significantly less than 20 seconds). The change was immediate (noticeable difference that same day, the next, and from there on), otherwise, I would have attributed it to the weather warming up/warmer oil/reduced viscosity, etc.
It will, by dilution with fresh oil. And by adding fresh additive(s) via the fresh oil.
Just note it and go on. It will make UOA comparison difficult but not impossible.
Just note it and go on. It will make UOA comparison difficult but not impossible.
I didn't add any top up oil. the level is only down 1/16" or so from max fill (where I usually keep it) so I figured why add any??
That's interesting - must have been just slightly over filled. Anyway, it's shouldn't effect the UOA too much.
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