Oil testing & too much info

[Loaded05]

Not sure if anyone else is as obsessive about a topic as I sometimes will be. I recently went way too far down the rabbit hole on oil specifications. I believed I was using the "right" oil (Pennzoil Platinum 5w-30) based on literature & word-of-mouth, until I sent off a sample to be tested. It turns out, the oil I was using is too thin for my taste & too thin for the engine. SAE requirements for 30 weight is 9.3 to 12.5 cSt at 100C. This batch of oil I was using ended up at 7.59 cSt with only 943 miles on it; no water, antifreeze or fuel noted. This result puts the oil in the middle of the 20 weight range, not something I want rolling around inside my engine. I had briefly contemplated switching to a 40 weight oil, but instead I began searching for a 30 weight replacement. Shell/Pennzoil rates the Platinum 5w-30 oil at 9.8 cSt, within the range, but at the low end. Mobil 1 5w-30 is listed at 10.8 cSt, smack dab in the middle of the range, that's looking better. Then I found the Mobil 1 FS 5w-30. It is listed at 12.2 cSt, may as well call it the top of the range. I ended up draining the platinum at just over 1k miles and putting in the FS. I will be sending off another oil sample for testing once I get about 1k miles on this change.

Has anyone else sent off oil samples and gotten abnormal results?

 

[Gadgtfreek]

I used to do it frequently, but now it's more hit and miss. Yes, some 30W oils have lower viscosity than others, but Platinum is a very good oil, and I think the reaction was an overreaction. Still, it's about peace of mind. My local tire, brake, and repair shop, where I get my oil changes, offers Valvoline Full Synthetic and a tire rotation for $90. Valvoline is excellent, and while Mobil 1 is my top choice, I believe that if you use a full synthetic 5W-30 in an EcoBoost and change it properly (not every 10,000 miles), you'll be fine.

My factory fill (1200 miles) analysis is expected soon, and I'll share it here on the site. I plan to track the next few oil changes and then perform spot checks every 15,000 to 20,000 miles. For my Mustangs (Coyote), F150 3.5L, Edge ST 2.7L, and this vehicle, I have stuck to 5,000-mile oil change intervals.

 

[KCM]

I had briefly contemplated switching to a 40 weight oil, but instead I began searching for a 30 weight replacement.

Why not just use Motorcraft 5W-30 oil as recommended by Ford. It is readily available and priced affordably.

 

[SugarMouth]

You will want an oil with room to dilute and or sheer when running E. Funny every time I think of the best oil for any vehicle I am contemplating for it always boils down to Mobil 0W-40. That Mobil 5W-30 Euro is a good one as well.

 

[Gadgtfreek]

Kinda like the German Castrol back in the day. Great stuff, and on the high end of "thick" 30.

 

[Mekks082]

The sample @ 15k miles is Motorcraft 5w-30 full syn, the second sample @ 20k is Mobil 1 ESP 5w-30.

As you can see the Motorocraft broke down to a 20wt, the M1 ESP did not. Granted it did have 1k less miles on it.