Oil Analysis options?

[EyesofThunder]

Forgive is this is wrong forum for questions on UOA.

I am up on my 25k miles with Amsoil 0W20 on my Lexus GS400, and wonder what my options are for UOA. Only added 1/2 quart in 25k miles, pleased with usage is low.

I see Titan, Blackstone, Wix and Oil Analyzers. Being such a long drain, I would like to see TBN, and possibly TAN. What ends up being the best cost for what data you get back? What other companies are out there for UOA that I should consider? More than anything I am concerned on engine health (200k miles now, planning on a long life with this car)

Thanks!

 

[INDYMAC]

I thought you were supposed to be using oil analysis throughout the 25k. Why are you asking about it now?

 

[Donald]

Go with OAI or Polaris (same). You get the best analysis (including oxidation and nitration and TBN).

I would not have gone a full 25K miles without doing a UOA leading up to 25K.

I would (ASAP) go to a drugstore, ask for a new prescription bottle (maybe for cough syrup) (so you are sure its clean with no contaminants) and change the oil NOW, taking a sample during the change. Then get the UOA kit and mail it in.

Change the oil IMMEDIATELY.

 

[Fleetmon]

Wow....that oil MAY be more gasoline than oil by now if you haven't been monitoring the UOA. I agree with Donald - get the old oil out of there now!

 

[Pablo]

Don't listen to the PANIC in this thread.

Any of the above will be fine, Polaris being the best value. I think any of them it will be extra $ for TAN on motor oil.

Yes, change your oil, but do it calmly. There is no requirement to do intermediate UOA's. Now it may be wise and it usually is my advice to step up to a long UOA, but the way some people here are now on BITOG you would think your engine is now ruined.

Tell us more about the history of the engine and car and driving habits and how long (time) the oil has been in the engine.

 

[INDYMAC]

Originally Posted By: Pablo
Don't listen to the PANIC in this thread.

Any of the above will be fine, Polaris being the best value. I think any of them it will be extra $ for TAN on motor oil.

Yes, change your oil, but do it calmly. There is no requirement to do intermediate UOA's. Now it may be wise and it usually is my advice to step up to a long UOA, but the way some people here are now on BITOG you would think your engine is now ruined.

Tell us more about the history of the engine and car and driving habits and how long (time) the oil has been in the engine.


You are correct Pablo. I checked the website and there is no mention of UOA's anymore to do extended OCI's with SS engine oils. Just figure out whether you are normal or severe operating conditions and mechanically in good shape. I wish everyone the best with this guidance.

 

[Fleetmon]

I wouldn't be as worried about the oil as I would fuel dilution. I read this to be a new car and pushing it out to 25k without any kind of history could be considered borderline negligence.

But, to each their own.

 

[SwedishRider]

Originally Posted By: EyesofThunder
What ends up being the best cost for what data you get back?


If you are an Amsoil Preferred Customer, you can get a UOA kit with TBN for about $18 and add postage yourself. I'm not aware of a better deal than that. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Flareside302]

Originally Posted By: Pablo
Don't listen to the PANIC in this thread.

Any of the above will be fine, Polaris being the best value. I think any of them it will be extra $ for TAN on motor oil.

Yes, change your oil, but do it calmly. There is no requirement to do intermediate UOA's. Now it may be wise and it usually is my advice to step up to a long UOA, but the way some people here are now on BITOG you would think your engine is now ruined.

Tell us more about the history of the engine and car and driving habits and how long (time) the oil has been in the engine.


Oh nooooooo his engines gonna blow up tomorrow!!!!!!


JK... Lol..

Just change it calmly, no need to freak out.. It'll be fine.. Besides, Amsoil has a warranty backing they're oil.. So you'll be in good shape if anything were to happen that was the oils fault..

 

[EyesofThunder]

I changed oil at 30100 miles, got the oil analysis back yesterday. Will post results later. Tbn was 1.68 and boron was a little high, and oil was oxidizing.

Everything else was good. Polaris color coded results and boron was yellow and Tbn was red, all else was very good.

I changed and have >10k on Castrol Edge. It us coming out this weekend.

 

[EyesofThunder]

Boron was 31. Do I guess low not high.

What is Boron for?

 

[Quattro Pete]

Boron is an additive. The amount will depend on a particular oil formulation.