Pennzoil Platinum 0W-20, 8.5k kms; 2015 Subaru WRX 95k kms

[twX]

Car: 2015 Subaru WRX (95,000 km)
Oil: Pennzoil Platinum 0W-20, API SP
OCI: 8500 km, 18 months (including two winters)
Oil Filter: PurolatorOne, changed to Pentius XL partway through OCI
Oil Consumption: Negligible
Trip Length: ~65% longer trips, ~35% short trips (by miles driven)
Driving Style: Mainly gentle, some brief periods of WOT
Climate: Cold winters, down to -40°C
Highest Oil Temperature: 97°C
Fuel Economy over OCI: 7.47 L/100 km (31.5 mpg US)
Engine Tune: Custom 87-octane lean-burn fuel economy tune
Oil Analysis Lab: Cat Finning Edmonton
Oil Replaced with: PUP 0W-30 (75% PUP 0W-20, 25% PP Euro 0W-40)

This is the first UOA on this engine. All previous OCIs have also used Pennzoil Platinum, but in the recommended 5W-30 grade.

The wear metals are all below Blackstone's averages for this engine. Fuel dilution is high at 5%, probably since the car has been mostly short tripped through the winter.

 

[edyvw]

Once you dump that oil that you put in, get PP Euro 0W30 LX or Motomaster Euro 0W30 (Same oil as LX).
That ad pack. Yuck.

 

[ltslimjim]

Agree with @edyvw on upping a grade and the PP Euro is a good recommendation if sticking with Pennzoil. Good to step up given the fuel presence.

 

[fantastic]

Was this GC fuel test? From what I see the results look good using this 0w-20. Si a bit high. Thanks

 

[ltslimjim]

Was this GC fuel test? From what I see the results look good using this 0w-20. Si a bit high. Thanks

I figured it to be GC with a number that high. Although, 5% is a lot regardless of test method.

 

[twX]

Once you dump that oil that you put in, get PP Euro 0W30 LX or Motomaster Euro 0W30 (Same oil as LX).

I considered that oil, but I wanted something with lower calcium and an API SP rating for LSPI.

That ad pack. Yuck.

Calcium and phosphorus came in a lot lower than they should be for this oil. I'm assuming it's an issue with the measurement rather than the oil. I do like the stronger add pack of the PUP though.

 

[edyvw]

I considered that oil, but I wanted something with lower calcium and an API SP rating for LSPI.


Calcium and phosphorus came in a lot lower than they should be for this oil. I'm assuming it's an issue with the measurement rather than the oil. I do like the stronger add pack of the PUP though.

LX is MB229.52. which has LSPI test.

 

[twX]

Was this GC fuel test? From what I see the results look good using this 0w-20. Si a bit high. Thanks

I assume it's GC. The viscosity is consistent with ~5% fuel.

Si seems to average around 21 ppm on these engines, so it is a bit high. I had a poorly fitting aftermarket air filter before this OCI that was allowing some dust into the air box. It was replaced with a new OEM filter shortly before the start of the OCI.

Wear metals are low enough that if it is from dust, I'm thinking it's carryover from the last OCI and not an ongoing issue. I'm wondering if Si could be higher due to the 18-month OCI. Does some silicon from sealant leach into the oil over time even when the engine isn't running?

 

[fantastic]

I figured it to be GC with a number that high. Although, 5% is a lot regardless of test method.

I assume it's GC. The viscosity is consistent with ~5% fuel.

Si seems to average around 21 ppm on these engines, so it is a bit high. I had a poorly fitting aftermarket air filter before this OCI that was allowing some dust into the air box. It was replaced with a new OEM filter shortly before the start of the OCI.

Wear metals are low enough that if it is from dust, I'm thinking it's carryover from the last OCI and not an ongoing issue. I'm wondering if Si could be higher due to the 18-month OCI. Does some silicon from sealant leach into the oil over time even when the engine isn't running?

I don't think it is GC. The basic CAT UOA offers I think a flash test or by viscosity to determine fuel unless you pay extra or ask for GC. Thanks for the details about silicon. If 21 is around avg then it's not too far off but I'm sure you'll see what happens in future tests. I doubt that it's from leaching. Sounds like you've found the culprit on the air filter & just how wonderful OEM filters are for fit & function.