gth452

Yes I have historically done it based on time for my Porsche engines (my mustangs go 2 years) as it is cheap insurance. First world problem of too many cars to drive and not enough time to drive them! I don't track the car -street driven only. I have pulled my samples from the crankcase drain in the middle of it draining.

Dock

That's what I did the one and only time I did an oil analysis.

2fcknfst

Wouldn't the first bit of oil out contain all the heavy particles?

vogz

The sample should be taken on a warmed up engine, so contaminants will be well mixed and suspended in the oil. The problem (in theory) with taking the sample from the first bit of oil that exits the engine is that there are heavier particles that have settled in the bottom of the pan over years and they don't get pumped though the engine, but some will come out with (possibly along with dirt around drain) the first bit of oil. I've always taken samples a couple seconds after the oil starts draining and I've had very consistent report results with the recommended method.

vogz

Here's my sample history from the last 6 years. I like to change the oil before I put the car away for the season. I know it's not necessary, but it makes me feel good, lol

powdrhound

I used the do the Blackstone oil analysis religiously year ago. I also always cut open the oil filter for examination. Generally a number of the metals including lead came in consistently elevated from Blackstone. Oil was generally changed every 500-600 track miles. When the engine was disassembled after 100 track hours for a rebuild, pretty much everything looked like new with very minor bearing wear, majority of it on the thrust bearing. I quit doing the oil analysis but still cut open the filter prior to tossing it.

I think people worry too much. If your readings come in a bit high, what are you gonna do? Stop driving the car, tear down the engine for a rebuild? If there is nothing scary in the filter, run the damn car like you stole it and spend your $20 Blackstone money on a Latte....

Dock

+1

theprf

I did oil analysis on my airplane engines and cut the filters as well. Different risk profile for a car, I did one, once, and haven't bothered since. I do cut the car filters.
IMO the best data from oil analysis is the ending viscosity and the amount of additive package remaining. This tells if the oil has been over or under used at the change interval.

2fcknfst

That makes sense - but if the grime that builds up at the bottom of the tank is effectively rinsed out every change, I am still wondering if new grime would provide a more relevant set of data.

vogz

Some of it comes out, not all, and it's not going to be a consistent amount from change to change. The idea is to test the actual oil that flows through the engine, not that oil mixed with a little sludgy stuff.

NoogaSparrow

Just wanted to update with the report after swapping from Dino oil to M1 5w50, cST looks much better!