Oil analysis on 94 Q45.

[sijoko]

I just received the oil analysis done by Blackstone Laboratories.

My car is a 94 Q45 with approx. 198k.

The oil is changed every 3k-4k miles using Mobil 1 - 5w30 with a bit of Marvel Mystery Oil for suspense.

They said that "We didn't find anything unusual in this sample from your Infiniti. All wear looks great, showing no problems developing."

A few of the measurements were higher than the universal averages:

1. Molybdenum 60 ppm-Meas./ 54 ppm-Univ. Av.2. Boron 133 ppm-Meas./ 88 ppm Univ.Av.3. Calcium 2799 ppm-Meas./ 2501 ppm-Univ.Av.4. Phosphorus 786 ppm-Meas. / 749 ppm-Univ.Av.

What causes these numbers to be higher?

Has anyone else done an oil analysis? Is this something that is pretty effective in measuring an engine's health?

This was the first time I sent oil for testing. I shipped the package to them on Tues. and got a reply by email today. The cost was $20 and they send you a bottle with instructions on how to take the sample.

Their site is http://www.blackstone-labs.com/

-sijoko

[qship96]

the universal averages are the averages of all q45 engines they have tested{not many} please post the entire report-the most important things to look at are the metal particle numbers,silicon,viscosity,flash,fuel,antifreeze,and insoluables-TBN if you paid for it.

the universal averages dont mean too much,as you dont know the size of their sample or the average miles on the engines and oil change intervals.my Redline sample is at Blackstone now-will post results soon.I am very interested to see your ENTIRE report posted for comparison.

[sijoko]

qship96,

You're probably right in that they have not done many Q45 engines.

On my oil report they listed my engine as a VQ35 even though I had put VH45DE. So I guess that screws up the universal averages.

Here are some excerpts from the report:

-The silicon level was at 7 ppm.

-The viscosity at 210 deg. was 60.3.

-The flashpoint was at 365 deg.

-The fuel was at <0.5%, which they attributed to extended idleing before taking the sample. I just started the car and let it run for about 10 mins and drained the oil. They said next time to drive it on the highway to burn out the fuel first.

-The antifreeze was at 0.0%, which is always good news to hear.

-Water level was at 0.0%, also good news.

-The insolubles were at 0.4%. I am assuming this refers to dirt and carbon. Am I right?

I didn't pay for the TBN, but they did recommend that next time I change the oil at 5k miles. What does the TBN reveal?

I will try to post the report soon.

-sijoko

[Q45tech]

1. Molybdenum 60 ppm-Meas./ 54 ppm-Univ. Av.2. Boron 133 ppm-Meas./ 88 ppm Univ.Av.3. Calcium 2799 ppm-Meas./ 2501 ppm-Univ.Av.4. Phosphorus 786 ppm-Meas. / 749 ppm-Univ.Av.

Are all additives in the oil, not things found in the aluminum or iron alloys in the engine or bearings.

Aluminum, iron, copper, lead, silicon [sand/dirt], insolubles are the things you watch.

[elwesso]

I am going to get the smae thing done on my Q.. Changing the oil very soon, castrol is a little dark for my liking.....

Should I get a TBN?

[AZhitman]

Thanks for the link, Siju - I'll be doing the same with mine.

Fred's gonna come in here and give you guys a real oil rundown... Go Fred!

[qship96]

my latest oil sample from Blackstone labs-Redline 10w-30 -5046 miles on sample,149,500 on engine.Mobil 1 10w-30 in sump now,to be sampled in next 5,000 miles{early Feb.}

aluminum 6 parts per millionchromium 1iron 12copper 2lead 3tin 1moly 535nickel 1potassium 2boron 14silicon 11sodium 16calcium 3260magnesium 0phosphorus 1301zinc 1437barium 1flashpoint-400fuel 0.5%antifreeze 0.0water 0.0insoluables 0.4viscosity 71.7{thickened to low 40 weight}

[Q45tech]

See even Redline starts to get marginal after 5,000 miles "viscosity 71.7{thickened to low 40 weight}" on a 150,000 mile engine.

Imagine lesser oils!

[qship96]

q45tech,what causes the oil to become marginal ? the dirt injestion -blowby ? the silicon and insoluables in this sample dont seem high to reflect that?what am I missing?

[qship96]

OK,what do you guys think of this idea? instead of changing out the Redline oil every 90 days{5-6000 miles} along with the filter-install a FUMOTO oil drain plug,use Mobil 1 oil and change every 3,000 miles{about every 6 weeks}and replace the filter every other drain{90 days or 5-6000 miles}I am trying to get the car in and undersheild removed only 1x per 90 days,inbetween i would DIY drain oil at home and not have to remove-replace filter and sheild.

[texasoil]

If your driving is highway and more than 15 miles each way,, AND you have good air filter, AND you use major brand fuel, AND the coolant temp is OK, AND you get appropriate fuel mileage, no reason why 6K oil and filter changes with Mobil 1 ( or any other premium grade 10W30) would not be very satisfactory. Us eof 'synthetics' is not necessary for this type of low stress motoring. HIGH stress is short trips, stop and go heavy traffic, dusty operating conditions, towing--or 100MPH + on hot days.

[qship96]

Texasoil,thanks for the reply,did you look at my 5000 mile oil analysis earlier in this thread? i have been using 10w-30 redline,and think the viscosity thickening up indicates a problem with this length of CCI?

[qship96]

Wes,have you recieved your oil analysis results yet? need more people to post their reports so we can fine tune our q`s needs!

[elwesso]

Qship

I decided not to do an analysis on this fill..... I used BG quick clean.. I just decided i didnt want to do it...

Next spring Ill do the analysis.....