fwiw, I use an analysis kit from Schnieder Petroleum that returns similar info, and "the guy" there told me that Mobil 1 could support 2% soot, if I remember correctly. I sent in samples every 2,000 miles until the soot buildup got to about 3/4 of their recommended max, and that turned out to be about 8k on M1 15-50w.

All of the metals and such will build up slowly over the change cycle, too. If you see any particular contaminants accelerate their rate of contamination that can mean problems for you, but if all of them accelerate then you usually have filter issues.

Since my M1 tests, I've used Mobil's Delvac 1300 for a few cycles and have been pretty happy with it, from what I can tell. I am NOT one of the oil geniuses on this board, but have learned a good deal from them. The Delvac is a diesel oil that supports 4% soot and seems to have good lubrication properties.

But the jury is still out and I may go back to the M1.

kma

__________________
74 Porsche 914 2.0 - 92k and counting
85 300 TD - 263k and counting
83 300 TD - 190k and counting
74 Harley Davidson Superglide - 38k and counting
68 Harley Davidson Sportster - currently in kit form