Oil Blotter

[Mud]

I get used oil analysis done about once a year or so, but I was curious if anyone uses the oil blotter "test" and if it is of value? Seems to me that it may have some merit as a quick snapshot of oil condition?

Here's a blot I did this weekend on a scrap index card - 2008 Accord, oil is Havoline 5W-20 with about 4400 miles on it, oil was warm. We've owned the car since new and I've always stuck to a 4500-5000 OCI as my personal preference for a vehicle with variable valve timing. Oil brand since new has varied, Pennzoil Platinum, Motorcraft, Pennzoil conventional, Havoline, any quality brand that is on sale.

Looking at the oil blot it appears that the oil is very clean, telling me that the engine is probably pretty clean as well. Driving is 95% highway at speeds of 65-75 mph. Am I all wet? Does anyone else use this as a quick "analysis"?

 

[tig1]

I do the one drop test at 7&10K every OC. Here is a link discussing this.

http://www.acustrip.com/specs/onedrop.html

 

[TomYoung]

Let's be real, this test means NOTHING!

 

[The motor guy]

It does with diesel oil when you have fuel in it. But even then it would be very obvious cause the level would be way over full.

 

[Schmoe]

That's what you want to see, contaminants staying in the middle and the good oil spreading to the outside. Your oil is good to go at least another 1K. I've used this method for a long time to give me an idea when I need to change and clocked it against the odometer and they are not far off from one another...I'm using Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5w30...

 

[TallPaul]

Originally Posted By: TomYoung
Let's be real, this test means NOTHING!


Tell that to Jim Fitch at Noria:
Spot Check Your Car's Oil (Machinery Lubircation)

Of course it only gives you limited information. If the blotter looks nasty with a heavy black ring, I would change out the oil. The blotter posted in this thread does not look bad, but I would not use it to justify extending the oil interval beyond the manufacturer's recommended interval.

 

[Kuato]

Originally Posted By: TomYoung
Let's be real, this test means NOTHING!


It seems a little hokey at first, but really has been an accepted ballpark test for many years with some chemistry to back it up.

 

[cat843]

I have found one idea that makes sense. For a transmission oilk change where you do multiple drain & fills. You do a blot test with each drain & fill and see the progress towards cheery red from prune juice color.

 

[tig1]

Originally Posted By: TomYoung
Let's be real, this test means NOTHING!


Doug Hillary says there is some value to these test if you know how to read them.

 

[Mud]

Thanks for the input everyone.