oil, Zmax

Originally Posted by 6MT

I really believe you're missing the entire point of having oil tested. Or maybe, you just don't understand what an oil test looks for. You don't just get results for "one or two" elements. And wear, being pretty important, is not the whole issue here.

An oil analysis checks the entire chemical spectrum. Can tell you what's in the oil after specific intervals. Can tell you, by the analysis, what's in the oil AND why. It can pinpoint problems at an early stage. It can show potential problems with the engine or other systems (such as air intake or exhaust systems) early enough to correct BEFORE the issue turns into a major problem.

I'll give you a shining example. I had my oil tested at 9800 kms. My third oil change. The interval was around 4200 kms for the life of the oil that was tested. It showed minute (and I mean very small) amounts of the metals associated with normal break-in on an engine (gas burning engine). Absolutely normal. And I expect that these will probably go even smaller as the engine wears further. (With regular "babying".) What WAS found was high amounts of carbon. IE: DIRT. What this showed was a problem with the filtration on the air intake. Without getting into arguments about K & N filters, let's just say THAT was the problem.

I had no idea that the K & N filters were allowing so much dirt into the engine. I quickly solved the problem (again, no K & N bashing). I had the oil tested again at 12000 kms. Even better results with the metals (smaller amounts). BUT... the carbon was almost gone.

To make a long post about testing end, I'll just say that I was convinced oil analysis caught a potential problem very early. I had no idea that this was happening. The test showed me the issue. I corrected it and now the results are even better.

Say what you want about testing and how you think it's a complete waste of time and money. For me, the example above shows just how important it can be. I know, this debate "can" be as endless as the oil debate itself. But with just my example, it shows what it can discover AND whether it may need attention.

(btw, I replaced the K & N filters with AFE dry filters. Problem solved.)

Originally Posted by 6MT

Uh.... it wasn't the oil filter causing the problem. It was the air filters. And the problem WAS quite serious. The carbon detected was 42 times the acceptable level.

You also ask "how long would the engine have lasted if it had gone undetected"? Well, not as long without needing some kind of internal repair for damage caused by the excessive dirt. If you want a figure...... let's say under 50,000 kilometers (a guess).

Again, I think it shows the benifits of oil analysis testing. It may cost some money ($19.95), but it saves money, time, and heartache.