Key Points
Oil analysis reveals wear indicators, contaminants, and the health of the oil itself.
- Wear indicators are various metals that are shed by engine components and deposited in the oil. High levels of these metals can indicate wear or damage.
- Contaminants can include coolant, sand, dirt, and fuel. The presence of these contaminants can indicate problems with the engine or its components.
- The health of the oil can be determined by looking at factors such as fuel dilution, Total Base Number (TBN), soot, water contamination, viscosity, and oxidation and nitration.
If you are concerned about the health of your engine, oil analysis can be a valuable tool. It can help you identify potential problems early on so you can take steps to prevent them from causing serious damage.
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Here are some of the benefits of oil analysis:
- This tool can help you identify potential problems with your engine early on.
- It also helps you to determine the health of your oil and whether it is time to change it.
- Can help you track the performance of your engine over time.
- Can help you improve the fuel economy of your vehicle.
Details
Oil analysis is a valuable tool for assessing engine health and determining the condition of the oil itself. In this video, host Jason Fenske used his Subaru Crosstrek to collect 12 synthetic oil samples, which were sent for analysis. The samples were taken at different intervals: four samples of new oil, four after 15 minutes of idling post-oil change, and four following a 3,000-mile road trip. One set of samples was sent to Mobil 1, the sponsor of the video, and another set was sent to Blackstone Laboratories for verification.
The analysis provides valuable information on various aspects, including wear indicators and contaminants. Wear indicators involve looking at the presence of different metals in the oil, expressed in parts per million (ppm). These metals, such as aluminium and iron, can indicate engine wear if they appear in significant quantities, as they are shed by specific engine components like pistons and crankshafts.
How does it help?
Contaminants found in the oil can also be detected through analysis. For example, noticeable amounts of potassium and sodium may indicate coolant mixing with the oil, which could be a sign of head gasket failure. Silicon presence could suggest contamination from sand or dirt, likely from a nonfunctioning air filter.
Furthermore, oil analysis helps assess the health of the oil itself and determine when it’s time for an oil change. Fuel dilution is a critical factor to consider, as fuel mixing with the oil can thin it out and reduce its effectiveness. The Total Base Number (TBN) is also important, representing the level of additives combat contaminant buildup. A TBN above 1.0 is recommended by the third-party lab used in the video.
More parameters
Other parameters examined in the analysis include soot (more relevant in diesel engines and direct-injected gasoline engines), water contamination, viscosity levels, and the levels of oxidation and nitration—two chemical reactions degrade the oil over time. If the oil is changed at the manufacturer-recommended intervals, unusual findings in these areas are less likely to occur.
Conclusion
- It is a powerful and informative tool can provide valuable insights into engine health and the condition of the oil. By examining wear indicators, such as various metals found in the oil, one can gauge the health of different engine components and identify potential issues with engine wear.
The presence of contaminants, such as potassium, sodium, and silicon, can indicate specific problems, such as coolant mixing with the oil or contamination from external sources like dirt or sand.
Health of oil
- Furthermore, oil analysis helps determine the health of the oil itself, including factors like fuel dilution and the Total Base Number (TBN), which indicates the level of additives present to combat contaminants. Other aspects, such as soot, water contamination, viscosity levels, oxidation, and nitration, are also assessed to ensure the oil remains effective and the engine operates optimally.
Proactive approach
- Oil analysis is a proactive approach to engine maintenance, providing valuable data can help prevent serious issues, extend engine life, and optimize vehicle performance.
By understanding the information gathered through oil analysis, car owners and mechanics can make informed decisions about engine maintenance, oil change intervals, and potential repairs or improvements, ultimately ensuring the engine’s longevity and reliable operation.
