Originally Posted By: Zaedock
Originally Posted By: BuickGN
I think we need this out in the open. I see people every day basing oil choice on used oil analysis wear metal results. We all know the benefits of used oil analysis for showing oil life remaining, coolant leaks, fuel dilution, etc. What I'm focusing on here is the common $30 used oil analysis and wear metal results.
My experience is they mean nothing whatsoever for determining wear rates.
Hey man, you know I agree with you on many subjects here at BITOG, but I'm going to have to disagree that used oil analysis are useless.
Besides being great to determine oil longevity, they can be helpful to monitor wear metals. I know in your case, it did nothing for you, but that's one engine in a world of millions.
I think you're lucky that you have the ability and time(plus, it's your hobby) to tear your engine down and check it out. Most everyone else are not able to, so a used oil analysis is the next best tool. Given the knowledge I've picked up here over the years and my personal drag racing and off road experience, I'll offer that used oil analysis
can be helpful in most cases. Using my 2.5L trail Jeep as an example, the Fe levels have been in the single digits in a design that ofen has high iron. That's running Delo SAE30 of all things. Ultimately, what does it mean? Heck, no one really knows where the iron comes from. One thing I do know is that I feel a little better seeing 9PPM iron instead of 29 after a season of beatings. Although the next time I roll, the engine could fry anyway...
Many people buy things on recommendation and perceived performance, oil included. You have to admit that it's hard not to look at Utah Bill's used oil analysis and run out to get the oil he's using.
Nothing wrong with disagreeing.
I would put more weight on a used oil analysis if someone had an engine that consistantly showed high wear metals and eventually did a teardown and found actual wear taking place. To my knowlege, no one on this board has, though I haven't read through every used oil analysis.
I guess one of the biggest problems with the used oil analysis is if it looks good, the engine might be good, might be bad. If it looks bad, same conclusion.