Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2004 23:07:26 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject: Re: engine break in oil?
In-Reply-To: <000701c4828c$5f7211c0$53786b44@williamvafwvvc>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Except for the oil being obviously contaminated, you really cannot tell
its condition by looks. Engine oil will appear dirty quickly as the
carbon from combustion acts like a dye. The oil can appear black but
still be serviceable. I have an 88 VW Fox that now has only 21,000 miles
on it. I changed the oil after I bought it (14,470 miles) to the Mobil
1, 0w-40. I had the oil tested when it had 6,500 miles on it and the
report that came back said to continue to use it. My wife's Audi has
160K on it. When the oil had 12,000 miles on it, the test results said
it was oxidized (85% of limit) and should be changed now. Although the
oil was starting to break down, the test results for contaminants were
still very low so oil breakdown was the only reason to change it. Now,
the cost of oil testing approaches the cost of an oil change but it is
good to get a baseline of how long the oil can last and the condition of
the engine. I am now using Caterpillar as the testing lab. The oil
sample kits were on sale for 20 kits, $230. I went this route as regular
oil testing is required for the Cat engine and Allison transmission in
the new motor home.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: developtrust [mailto:developtrust@cox.net]
Sent: Sunday, August 15, 2004 1:55 AM
To: Dennis Haynes; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Re: engine break in oil?
I just changed my Mobil one oil and a filter at 5,000 miles. The old oil
was
pretty dirty. The news oil is of course almost invisible as it is so
clean.
Are you saying I could have/should have waited another 2,000 miles for a
change? Seems to me if the oil is dirty, change it. William
> If ever there was a subject of myths and legends, it is the concept of
> break in engines and what oil to use. Since rebuilt engines are never
> really clean inside, I like to flush after a few hundred miles. The
> filter will catch the bug stuff. After that, I use what the customer
> plans to use. My engines get the Mobil 1. Oil change intervals with
the
> Mobil 1 should be ~7,500 miles. I am now using oil sampling to
determine
> true oil change requirements.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On
Behalf
> Of Jonathan Farrugia
> Sent: Saturday, August 14, 2004 3:43 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: engine break in oil?
>
> i would like to take a survey of what peoples preferred engine break
in
> oil is.
>
> what weight
>
> straight weight
>
> straight weight non-detergent
>
> multi viscosity
>
> please let us know why you prefer the oil you do. other break in
> insights
> are welcome as well.
>
> jonathan
>
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