Oil Analysis on Prius @ 15k miles, 0W20 Mobil1
 

Since I have been offered a free oil analysis, I thought it might be interesting to see what the results look like. I have just hit 15k miles on the current 0W20 M1, planning on stretching it 20k. I have 120k total miles on the Prius.

Anyway, I replaced the filter and used what oil came out as the test sample. In hind sight, that might not be the preferred method, but it is what it is. I will be sending the sample to ANA labs in Bellmawr NJ. Hopefully, those of you who know about oil analysis can help me decipher the results. Any idea how long it takes to get results?

its been years
 

I used oil analysis @ my last fleet shop.
We installed a petcock on the side of the filter housing in an un-used gallery port.
Draw sample with engine running. Shut down and change filters. Send off sample and wait for results. :turtle:
Approx 2 weeks for test result returns.

The testing center will send you the results and a pamphlet explaining the numbers.
% raw fuel
% coolant
% soot
Etc.
They should also include an explanation of which numbers need to be what.
I don't remember any of the tech stuff right now, except;
Any coolant is a bad thing. They will suggest you change oil, drive 1k miles and re-test. If you still have coolant in the oil it is time for a re-man. If there is a lot of coolant in the oil you might not make it to 1k miles.:o
I am using the "white rag test"
Drive home from work, do not shut down engine.
Pull oil dipstick and wipe on a clean white rag.
Carefully inspect resulting stain.
look for metal (looks like fish scales in sunlight)
look for dirt
look close for water ( will run the fibers of the rag swiftly)
check overall color (color will change with age, but tar black is bad, Milkshake brown is really bad, darker brown is not necessarily bad)
oil should still be at least translucent. Maybe not perfectly clear though.
re-install dipstick and remove again. Draw through you fingers. Rub fingers together and feel consistency, check for "stickiness" and granulate material (sandy feeling)
Wipe fingers with rag.
I used this method when I would commute 250 miles to work.
I started doing oil changes @~3500 miles in the old Rabbit.
After a few months I was stretching my OCs to 10,000 miles.
The oil actually still seemed good, I couldn't force myself to go farther on an oil change. we didn't have synth back in the 80s.
I would be tempted to go up to 15,000 with synth.
Check you owners manual though. Please don't void your warranty by NOT doing regular OCs.
I repair cars and trucks for a living and have sen the damage non oil changing can do. I also understand not throwing away perfectly good oil just because it isn't 'pretty' anymore.
I am currently changing oil in the Avalon ~5,000 miles.That number is getting larger as I do more OCs. I think the last owner went to BillyBob Lube and Hot Dog Stand too infrequently.
I haven't changed oil in the Geo since last spring.(it is changing itself on a regular basis)
Good luck with the Oil Analysis Guys.
I hope they help you.
Anyways that's my personal oil analysis system.
It works for me and I haven't lost and engine yet. Due to oil failure.
I may have lost a couple due to driver error.:o
The NAPA store by me offers Oil Analysis. IIRC it is ~ $10 us.
Abba goo dai.:D
S.

oil analysis
 

Yep...
we send results out usually 24 to 48 hours after receiving the oil samples.

No results yet?

I change mine religiously every 2K miles and trans every 10K miles

My oil change intervals on the Matrix have been around 10k miles. Oil analysis has helped verify that the oil is just fine pushing it this far.

The oil analysis was offered to me free of charge by a vendor and I was sent a bottle and a prepaid envelope. I never got the results. The sample I sent was 25k miles (130k total miles on the car). Since then, I changed at 155k and plan to change at 180k. Currently at 171k. Someone has offered to pay for my 180k analysis so maybe I will have something to share.

Usually I use a Fram filter. Yes, I know it is the worst you can buy, but it proves my point that even the worst is good enough.

I changed the trans fluid at 130k.

I am still using the original spark plugs, coolant, hoses and belt.

Brakes are also original.

:confused:i dont understand the reasoning for streching out that long for changing the oil, your not going to save that much money and the risk is very high

Why would you say the risk is high? Jiffy Lube, Auto Dealerships and the oil companies have done a good job brainwashing the public that you NEED to change your oil every 3000 miles.

How much do you pay for an oil change? I pay about $18 for the oil and filter and change the oil myself. Currently I have 175k miles on the car. So at 25k miles per change, 7 changes, that adds up to $126. If I change oil every 3k miles, 58 oil changes, that adds up to $1050. I have saved nearly $1000 and have created 180 fewer quarts of oil that needs to be recycled.

Just for comparison, if I, like the majority of car owners payed some else to change my oil at $40 a pop, that adds up to $2320 or over $2000 in savings.:thumbup:

Krousdb is completely correct. 3k mile change intervals are crazy short for today's engines. There is absolutely no reason for it. The oil analysis PROVES that even manufacturer's recommendations of 5000 to 8000 mile changes are conservative. Gotta love marketing and brainwashing.