Should I send in the sample now?

[dparm]

About 1,000 miles ago I switched oils. I am trying to determine the OCI with this stuff since the previous oil didn't do so hot by the time I changed it.

Should I send in the sample now (at 1,000) or wait to 5,000?

 

[demarpaint]

How long was the last OCI?

 

[dparm]

5,000 but it was a lower-grade oil than what I have now. The car had also seen a lot of track time.

 

[Johnny]

What oil were you using before the Motul 300V? I would probably wait until at least 3,000 miles before sending in a sample.

 

[d00df00d]

Originally Posted By: Johnny
I would probably wait until at least 3,000 miles before sending in a sample.

Me too. The shortest run I've done before pulling a sample was around 4k-ish.

Here's what I did, FWIW. When I pull my samples, I usually let it drain for a few seconds before filling the sample bottle, so I end up topping off with more than a quart. I figure (on very little basis) that even if things were bad, the partial refresh would help ensure that I could continue running the oil at least until the UOA came back. And of course, if things were good, I could take the OCI at least as far as the UOA suggested.

 

[dparm]

I have the Blackstone hand-pump so I won't be draining anything.

I was running Lubro-Moly Synthoil Premium 5w40 prior to the 300V.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: dparm
5,000 but it was a lower-grade oil than what I have now. The car had also seen a lot of track time.


Since you are now using a better oil why not pull a sample at 4,000 miles, giving yourself a 1,000 mile buffer, plus the better oil? Then base a decision on that data.

 

[dparm]

Blackstone actually told me to consider changing at 3,000 during the warm months due to the high levels of wear metals (and also because I'm racing a lot and stressing the oil). That's why I want to pull it soon and figure out when the next change should be done.

 

[mechtech2]

I am not an oil sample guy, but longer intervals would give better results.
A very short interval for testing would not be as accurate or meaningful.
Wait it out.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: dparm
Blackstone actually told me to consider changing at 3,000 during the warm months due to the high levels of wear metals (and also because I'm racing a lot and stressing the oil). That's why I want to pull it soon and figure out when the next change should be done.


Seeing the report they flagged would be nice, why not post it? If not take a sample at 2,500 miles, 1,000 miles IMO is too soon.

 

[dparm]

Maybe I'll do it at 2,500 -- halfway to the proposed change.