Mobil 1 HM 10w30 - 5,200 miles - Mazda Millenia S

[miller_cycle]

I have a 1999 Mazda Millenia S with the Lysholm supercharged 2.25L KL-ZEM Miller Cycle V6. I'm a little concerned with the high chrome reading. I'm not sure what to make of the sodium. My coolant level has been rock solid for over a year. Before the M1 High-Mileage, I used SuperTech 10w30 in it for less than 2,000 miles. The M1 was in use for about six months with a Mobil 1 filter. The last few months have involved one-way six-mile highway trips four times a day. The engine is currently using 1.5 quarts of oil every 5,000 miles.

 

[DmanWho]

Did you use any fuel additives this OCI? Also, what brand gas do you use?

 

[NissanFan]

Hmmm....interesting, I don't know what to tell you about the Chromium. As far as the sodium, if you browse through the VOA section, there is a VOA that I posted a few months ago, on this exact oil, M1 HM 10w-30 (current fill for me)and the sodium level was around 8 ppm. It is interesting that your coolant level hasn't been an issue, as I know that Blackstone has indicated that some formulas also use silicone. I do not know much about coolant formulation, so I couldn't help you there, just going by what I've read and seen reported and suggested.

The other question, I would have, also related to information I've read on this site; your location is "southern midwest", is that anyplace exactly that gets enough snow or ice that they need to put salt on the roads? I've heard that that can cause a spike in sodium levels. I am sure someone else will chime in here with more knowledge than I on these subjects, but just wanted to throw out the thoughts I had when I read this thread. Good luck with that.

 

[VK56VD]

Being an older SuperCharged engine, I'd change the oil more often.

How many miles are on this vehicle/engine?

 

[miller_cycle]

I've never used any fuel additives. I've mostly been using 91-octane Shell gasoline. Sometimes 10% ethanol, sometimes no ethanol. Road salt is rarely used here. Car currently has 105,000 miles.

 

[DmanWho]

I saw your "tranny" post, but have you used ARX in the Mazda's sump?

I'd try using some MMO or LUCL in the fuel (or both), every other fill-up or so, and see if there's any improvement shown on your next OA.

 

[DmanWho]

Just wanted to add & ask...

I believe you may benefit from using a robust 5w-30. MaxLife's conv/syn blend or the Havoline DS, along with a 4,000 mile (maybe even 5,000 mile) OCI's, may fare you well.

Do you ever see it smokin' on start-up?

 

[miller_cycle]

I'm running through an ARX cleaning treatment right now along with some Exxon Superflow 10w30. I don't have any start-up smoke. After the rinse phase, I plan on switching to a good 5w30 synthetic over the winter and follow up with a second ARX treatment in the spring (with a UOA on the 5w30).

I thought 5,000 mile OCIs with a synthetic oil might be a little excessive for this car. Is there something in the UOA result that suggests shortening my OCIs (besides the chromium level)?

 

[TeeDub]

If you're still seeing Na after the ARX rinse phase, you have a slow coolant leak. I think the high level of total solids is simply a reflection of the amount of blow-by into the crankcase, as evidenced by your significant oil consumption.

 

[JSP]

Doesn't look all that bad and 5k OCI seems fine. A 0W or 5W may help some.