I got my oil sample back, but what does it mean? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Alan Hamm · #1 10-07-2004, 09:50 AM

The biggest thing is to establish a baseline. Once you start getting lots of samples tested and reports back, you can start seeing a trend that might be bad. I had a water pump failure in one of my Detroit's 3 years ago. Pump just blew up and got coolant in the oil. (thank god for alarms and auto shut-offs) Changed it several times after the pump was repaired. I just sent in my annual sample and that engine FINALLY is showing test results back to normal. It takes forever to truely clean out contaminates. I could tell that the oil was getting better each time, so I was not too worried. But it was reassurring to know that the testing company sent me a fax warning as soon as they tested the oil. They definately flag problems.

My mechanic buddy just laughs at me when I get oil tested. He figures it is better to budget for a major rebuild because if the tests start coming back bad on a 25 year old engine are you going to just rebuild part?

He does have a point. But I do like to try to anticipate what lies ahead.

Hatterasguy · #2 10-07-2004, 12:50 PM

I was just doing it for fun, and I have no history on this engine either so I would like to do 3 more to have a good baseline. MB specs soot limit at 2% so I don't want to go over that. Maybe I will keep the D1 in their for 5k miles, and re-test.

So everything looks good? Nothing was flagged or seems out of line, I feel better now.

Alan Hamm · #3 10-07-2004, 12:58 PM

I am switching to synthetic this weekend. I will send out my last batch of dino for testing just to get a baseline.

Hatterasguy · #4 10-07-2004, 01:15 PM

What kind are you using? My lifters really like the D1 maybe because it is a little lighter then the Mobil 1 that I was using.

Alan Hamm · #5 10-07-2004, 01:38 PM

I am going Amsoil. No particular reason other than some here like it.

Holeshot · #6 10-07-2004, 04:22 PM

Well.. it's good to get the results back but man.. nothing the tells you what they are, what they might mean and some known averages for an engine of that type/mfg and age?

Try Blackstone. I've been using them for about a year now and along with the report they includes a few paragraphs that discuss the results and point out any possibly looming issues.

They charge $20 per (you can pay less if you buy in bulk). You can request a free kit from them, and send a check for $20 with it and you get a hardcopy and electronic versions.

VERY good information to have. I use it to keep an eye on everything that takes oil (specially my track bike - blowing an engine at 160 MPH would... er... . blow).

Blackstone: http://www.blackstone-labs.com/

PS. I'm only a customer I have no financial interest.

Hatterasguy · #7 10-07-2004, 10:50 PM

Maybe I will try them next, my dad got the shop at his work to do that one for free. But eventually someone might notice that my Mercedes is not a company car.

So the next one I will have to buy from another source.

javven · #8 10-12-2004, 02:22 PM

Why don't we get a database together of MB owners and the various figures?

That way if one of us is way off we'll have something for comparison.

As has been stated - otherwise you just don't know.

Alan Hamm · #9 10-12-2004, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

What kind are you using? My lifters really like the D1 maybe because it is a little lighter then the Mobil 1 that I was using.

Well, maybe not Amsoil. How's this for stupid. Bought a case of Amsoil about 3 weeks ago for the SDL. Plan to change this past weekend. Saturday I warm the car up and I actually tried the Amsoil pretreat which they recommend for use prior to changing to Synthetic. First I carefully get a sample to send off for testing. Put treatment in and run at fast idle for 15-20 mins per directions. Suck all oil out and open case of Amsoil. IT IS NOT DIESEL, C RATED OIL!

My car is sitting with no oil, blocking our two garage doors with cars inside. My son is 30 minutes away from leaving for his Homecoming date in our only other car

My only option is to race to a Target and pray they have the right oil. Turns out they had Mobile 1 (red cap). And they had just enough.

My understanding is that this is fine? Just not as good and the Mobile 1 truck and SUV oil? I have not noticed a big difference in "quieting" the lifters or anything yet.

Oh, and the wife was thrilled at my making every effort to screw up my son's homecoming event. But it all worked.

Hatterasguy · #10 10-12-2004, 12:52 PM

Good story!

I have been in the same boat to!

Now I move my moms car into the street before the hood opens up.

Mobil 1 15w-50 is fine, I use it in the summer. The main difference is Mobil 1 Delvac can hold 4% of soot and regular can only do 2%. But MB says don't go over 2%.

Now as to the lifters mine are kind of loud or at least they were. I'll wait to I have used Mobil 1 for 10k before I decide if I want to replace them. As I am driving down the street if I drive next to a large building or anything that reflects the sound I can hear a nice tick.

Alan Hamm · #11 10-12-2004, 01:17 PM

I will switch to the Delvac at the next change. Does that come in various weights or is it all the same (5W-50?)