Just got my used oil analysis back from WIX and all I got was a page with a bunch of numbers on it - no "lab report" or explanations at all. Posting the info hoping someone can decipher the analysis and let me know if there is anything on it that I should be concerned about.


WIX Oil Analysis Report

OIL BRAND: Valvoline
OIL TYPE: Durablend 5w20
SAMPLE DATE: 08/20/2009
TIME ON OIL: 4,930 MILES
VEHICLE MILEAGE: 15,104

SPECTROCHEMICAL ANALYSIS (ppm)

12 - IRON
0 - CHROMIUM
0 - LEAD
3 - COPPER
0 - TIN
2 - ALUMINUM
0 - NICKEL
0 - SILVER
13 - SILICON
13 - BORON
140 - SODIUM
10 - MAGNESIUM
2441 - CALCIUM
0 - BARIUM
789 - PHOSPHORUS
861 - ZINC
7 - MOLYBDENUM
0 - TITANIUM
0 - VANADIUM
0 - POTASSIUM

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

<1 - FUEL (% VOL)
N/A - VIS @ 40 C cSt
8.52 - VIS @ 100 C cSt
0 - WATER (% VOL)
N/A - SOOT/SOLIDS (% WT)
NO - COOLANT


Thanks in advance.

 

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/ <===== All you need to get those numbers read

 

Im bumping this because now Im curious as to what this means.

 

Thanks, but I'll should probably just pick a better lab next time. One that actually prints out a detailed and comprehensive "report" of the test results, giving detailed explanations of what was found and recommendations that may concern future service intervals. Like ones that I’ve seen posted before.

 

if you post on bob is the oil guy, give us a link so we can track it. I'm interested too. I'll be doing one here in another 1500 miles on mine. I'm sending it in to Blackstone Labs.

 

Took densum87's advice and posted this at bobistheoilguy - here is the link.

Valvoline DuraBlend 5w20 - Ford Ranger - Bob Is The Oil Guy


I'll see what happens...and thanks for the advice.

 

This shows the range of acceptable levels.

What is Oil Analysis?

 

I think the numbers are in parts per million but as to what that means about the engine i have no idea.

 

Still not understanding all the numbers, but I'm pretty sure it's a real good UOA.

 

did you not look at the link I posted?

here are the acceptable ranges and the likely problem if its not in range:

Table I. Engine problems predicted with oil analysis.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Indicator Acceptable Levels Engine Problem What to Check

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Silicon (Si) and
Aluminum (Al) 10 to 30 ppm Dirt ingestion Air intake system, oil filter plugging, oil filler cap and breather, valve covers, oil supply
Iron (Fe) 100 to 200 ppm Wear of cylinder liner, valve and gear train, oil pump, rust in system Excessive oil consumption, abnormal engine noise,performance problems, oil pressure, abnormal operating temperatures, stuck/broken piston rings
Chromium (CR) 10 to 30 ppm Piston ring wear Excessive oil blow-by and oil consumption, oil degradation
Copper (CU) 10 to 50 ppm Bearings and bushings wear, oil cooler passivating,radiator corrosion Coolant in engine oil, abnormal noise when operating at near stall speed
Lead (Pb)* 40 to 100 ppm Bearing corrosion Extended oil change intervals
Copper (CU) and
Lead (Pb)* 10 to 50 ppm Bearing lining wear Oil pressure, abnormal engine noise, dirt being ingested in air intake, fuel dilution, extended oil drain intervals
Aluminum (Al) 10 to 30 ppm Piston and piston thrust bearing wear Blow-by gases, oil consumption, power loss, abnormal engine noise
Silver and
Tin 2 to 5 ppm
10 to 30 ppm Wear of bearings Excessive oil consumption, abnormal engine noise, loss in oil pressure
Viscosity Change Lack of lubrication Fuel dilution, blow-by gases, oil oxidation, carburetor choke, ignition timing, injectors, injector pump, oil pressure
Water/Anti-freeze Coolant leak or condensation Coolant supply, gasket sealed, hose connection, oil filler cap and breather

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* Significant as wear metal, only for engines using unleaded and diesel fuel.

 

What I was getting at was that I really didn't understand if my readings were typical with what I would expect for the type oil I was using along with my driving habits, with a low mileage 2.3, going with about a 5k OCI.

I'll assume that I really couldn't expect the 5w-20 Durablend to perform any better than it did.

 

the zinc and phosphorus are additives used for wear protection, where as calcium and sodium are oil breakdown preventatives.

 

SECOND TEST - Changed oil sooner, but seems to have slight increase in "wear" probably due to extra trailer towing.

New numbers on left - old test numbers on right...


WIX Oil Analysis Report

OIL BRAND: Valvoline
OIL TYPE: Durablend 5w20
SAMPLE DATE: 09/22/2009
TIME ON OIL: 2,998 MILES
VEHICLE MILEAGE: 18,102

SPECTROCHEMICAL ANALYSIS (ppm)

SPECTROCHEMICAL ANALYSIS (ppm)

13 - IRON (12)
0 - CHROMIUM
0 - LEAD
13 - COPPER (3)
0 - TIN
3 - ALUMINUM (2)
0 - NICKEL
0 - SILVER
9 - SILICON (13)
2 - BORON (13)
339 - SODIUM (140)
12 - MAGNESIUM (10)
2123 - CALCIUM (2441)
0 - BARIUM
934 - PHOSPHORUS (789)
868 - ZINC (861)
0 - MOLYBDENUM (7)
0 - TITANIUM
0 - VANADIUM
0 - POTASSIUM

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

<1 - FUEL (% VOL)
N/A - VIS @ 40 C cSt
9.09 - VIS @ 100 C cSt (8.52)
0 - WATER (% VOL)
N/A - SOOT/SOLIDS (% WT)
NO - COOLANT