Mobil1 EP 10W30 4200mi '99 Buick Regal LS

[spcrollins]

I'm new to this site, although I have read up on some great information here before. I posted my first oil analysis on my main forum and it was suggested I post it here as well. Here's the analysis. I have not used an additive in quite a few oil changes now, so my question is what bearing is likely to be going out with that high of copper and lead content?

 

[Josh48065]

Why did you only run EP 4200 miles?

 

[addyguy]

Just how many oil changes ago did you use an additive, if you used one?

If you have not used an additive in the engine in a long, long time, then I'd say you're main bearings (con rods) are going, and you're engine is just about toast.

Problem is, everything EXCEPT the lead and copper are spot-on perfect - no excessive silicon or potassium, insoluables aren't high, oil viscosity is good, and TBN is good, so I don't know WHAT is going on!

Another possibility: If you used conventional oil before, with an additive like Restore, and then you suddenly switched this change with the M1 EP, then the M1 MIGHT be cleaning up copper and lead deposits in the pan and engine.

Does the engine, knock, smoke, or make worrying noises?

 

[Artem]

Strange numbers, that's for sure.

It looks like M1 EP is working hard with a TBN of 3.5 after 4,200 miles.

 

[Jeffs2006EvoIX]

I agree on the TBN very odd. After 4200 it went form like 12 to 3.5??

Jeff

 

[spcrollins]

*shifty* I might have driven my car with vigor... To answer questions, no the engine does not make any sounds or anything it shouldn't. I have the Pro version of HP Tuner software and the only thing off is that I do have a fair amount (I've seen up to 6*) of KR (knock retard) after some supporting mods to help get rid of it. I changed it after 4200 because I didn't know just how good Mobil 1 EP is. That's why I did this analysis in fact. I've been running regular Mobil 1 for about 8 oil changes now (last one was their Advanced Fuel Economy) and haven't used any Slick 50 in like 6 oil changes. I did use Gunk* Motor Flush about 3 changes ago. Also, this engine has 90k original miles.

 

[chubbs1]

How in the good Lord's name does Blackstone tell you to go farther on your next OCI??? This engine looks like it is grenading. Copper and lead are at dangerous levels.This is what a UOA is for, to try to catch problems early. I would check into it. Too long since you have used additives to see this high content of Cu and Pb.

 

[ltslimjim]

They asked if OP used something like Restore. My question is, did he? If not, what else could be going on?

 

[cchase]

There has to be something going on here that we aren't seeing. TBN of 3.5 at 4200 miles? Copper and lead off the chart but iron tracking normally? There has to be something in this oil that isn't from the metal in the engine to cause this...

 

[addyguy]

If you didn't use Restore at all in the engine, it looks like the engine is giving up the ghost.

I'd change to a thicker oil, to see if the problem is that the bearings are getting pounded on from the way the car is tuned and run - I'd try a short 3k run with a 10W-40, and see if the numbers improve.

 

[spcrollins]

Okay. Wow, honestly I didn't expect to see nearly this many posts. You guys are great! Unfortunately, with this last change, I switched to Shell T6 because I heard it was better than Mobil 1--the reason I did this analysis in the first place. I have used Restore once, but it was probably close to two years ago. Also, I really don't think this is worth mentioning but i did get my transmission built up about 5k miles ago. It feels fine and the fluid levels are sustaining where they should be.

 

[Brons2]

A Xw40wt HDEO like T6 is a good choice. Try sampling again after a similar interval.

 

[spcrollins]

What does "Xw"40wt and "HDEO" mean?

 

[addyguy]

HDEO = Heavy-Duty Engine Oil, ie. 15W-40's or 5W-40's used in diesels engines. Often 'dual-rated' to be used in gasoline engines as well.

Multi-grade oils have a 'winter' or 'W' rating, and a hot rating...so there is 10W-30, 5W-30....and 10W-40, 5W-40, all the way up to crazy-thick oils like 20W-70 they use in Australia.

So Brons2 is saying that a 40-weight HDEO, like 15W-40 OR 5W-40, (which you are using) is a good idea.

The use of Restore explains a lot - that stuff 'hangs around' in some engines for a long time.....that's where the copper and lead would be coming from. I'd say the engine seems fine....

 

[ltslimjim]

Great option using the T6. Gas mileage will probably go down slightly, but get a UOA at the same time/mileage as this UOA; if possible, and post it up. Welcome to BITOG and keep us posted!

 

[spcrollins]

How did you know I was using 5W40? Do they only make those two? Good job anyway! I guess I lucked into that. A jug of it was on sale for like $17.00 at Advance and I've heard over on Regalgs.org that it's a great oil and maybe I should do an oil analysis between the two. As far as using Restore, I've only used it once (didn't like it) over a year ago--more like a year and a half. I have used other stuff like Slick50 on previous changes, though.

 

[ltslimjim]

I wouldn't add anything else, IMO. If you use any additive, perhaps look into Lubro Moly MoS2 to use at the time of your oil changes when you fill up with fresh oil. This may help reduce wear, and is relatively cheap. $4.29 at most Napa stores that carry it, if your local Napa does not ask them to order them to the store for you.

It's really worth a try, IMO, if later your wear numbers don't trend down. Not problematic at this point, IMO.

 

[spcrollins]

Thanks Jim. I haven't used any additive in a good while honestly. I know I run my car hard, but our Buick 3800s are normally really easy on oil. I'll take a look at my next UOA with the T6 and see where I stand.

 

[addyguy]

Originally Posted By: spcrollins
How did you know I was using 5W40? Do they only make those two? Good job anyway! I guess I lucked into that. A jug of it was on sale for like $17.00 at Advance and I've heard over on Regalgs.org that it's a great oil and maybe I should do an oil analysis between the two. As far as using Restore, I've only used it once (didn't like it) over a year ago--more like a year and a half. I have used other stuff like Slick50 on previous changes, though.


We know it was 5W-40 because Rotella 'T6' is ONLY a 5W-40 oil - the T6 designates it as their 5W-40 offering.

 

[ltslimjim]

Originally Posted By: addyguy
Originally Posted By: spcrollins
How did you know I was using 5W40? Do they only make those two? Good job anyway! I guess I lucked into that. A jug of it was on sale for like $17.00 at Advance and I've heard over on Regalgs.org that it's a great oil and maybe I should do an oil analysis between the two. As far as using Restore, I've only used it once (didn't like it) over a year ago--more like a year and a half. I have used other stuff like Slick50 on previous changes, though.


We know it was 5W-40 because Rotella 'T6' is ONLY a 5W-40 oil - the T6 designates it as their 5W-40 offering.