My Oil Analysis Results

[WackyDan]

So I decided to try Wix oil analysis for shits and giggles. 2005 Chevy Malibu with the 3.5 push rod V6. 85,000 miles. Only 4544 miles on conventional oil. Usually change it between 4500 and 5000-ish. Car does only 6k-8k a year miles on average as of late. Looks like I can probably take the changes up to 6000 miles no sweat.

What do you think? Next time I guess I'll go with BlackStone as they seem a bit more descriptive in regard to the state of your oil. This isn't something I'll do every change, but I was curious. I knew I was changing a bit early.

Image linked is the results.

http://www.snailbarf.com/oil.jpg

 

[Viper GTS]

I assume you noticed your name & address was on that?

Viper GTS

 

[WackyDan]

I assume you noticed your name & address was on that?

Viper GTS

Ah shit... will change it...

It was on second page too... Never noticed the first.

For those coming over to the house presently, I have a nice beer selection.

 

[twinrider1]

Caveat: I've never done this myself, so I only know what I've read.

I thought the biggest benefit of this was comparing tests over time to study trends. Is there any benefit to a one time use?

 

[Jimzz]

Caveat: I've never done this myself, so I only know what I've read.

I thought the biggest benefit of this was comparing tests over time to study trends. Is there any benefit to a one time use?

Many do a single sample after major engine work like head gasket to see if there could be a small leak/issue.

And many truckers do samples before a change to see if the oil or coolant is still good.

 

[WackyDan]

Caveat: I've never done this myself, so I only know what I've read.

I thought the biggest benefit of this was comparing tests over time to study trends. Is there any benefit to a one time use?

Well... In my specific case, it is useful. I know I'm changing too early now. I know I don't have any coolant leaks contaminating the oil. For a run around town car, I have very little moisture in the oil like you'd probably expect would be there.

So yeah... I could keep using Wix for the testing, but based on the reports I've seen from blackstone I might get one from them next time I want to see how it's doing...

It is pretty much the only vehicle I wanted to do this to. My truck is a tow vehicle and therefore I go by the extreme duty interval for the oil to cover my bases. My bike gets changed more often as I tour with it and often need to change oil early to prep for a couple of weeks on the road with it.

 

[jlee]

I didn't know Wix did oil analysis until this thread, and I see kits on Amazon for 18 bucks with TBN. That's $38 from BlackStone...damn.

Camelcamelcamel says they go even cheaper, so I set a price alert at $15. If they drop that low, I'll stock up on a few.

 

[JulesMaximus]

This was really the only part of the report that I understood.

 

[WackyDan]

This was really the only part of the report that I understood.

Yeah... and that is why if I do another it will be blackstone labs. They seem to give a bit more feedback on the results.

 

[KentState]

Blackstone also gives a comparison to other similar engines.

 

[BUTCH1]

The 3500 is a stout little beast, only 200HP but very torquey @228.

 

[Subyman]

Without a comparison like Blackstone, it is pretty useless unfortunately. Just glancing through, it does seem pretty normal though.

A few notes:
Molybdenum is from bearings
Phosphorous, sodium, silicon, and potassium are from coolant
Iron is from wear
Zinc and calcium are from the oil
Other metals are likely from alloys used in the motor