LAST EDITED ON Mar-04-00 AT 04:08 PM (EST)

I just got my oil analysis back from Blackstone labs. (I get a discount because I am a member of the "diesel page" forum.) These guys are great to work with...$16 test fee per sample and they send you the container to send it to them.

1994 Lincoln Mark 8, 75,000 miles. Oil use interval: 6100 miles per computer readout dash computer recommendation (4% life left) Mobil 1 Oil. 5W-30, with one make up quart added.

They came back with the comments:

Viscosity normal for 5W/30. Engine wear remarkably good for 6,100 mile interval. Test results indicate this interval was not excessive. No gas, moisture, or coolant found. Suggest trying 7,500 miles for next interval.

ppm indicated in oil (second number universal average of similar engine and equipment tested):
Aluminum 5 (10)
Chromium 2 (6)
Iron 27 (83)
Copper 3 (41)
Lead 1 (53)
Tin 3 (6)
Molybdenum 0 (14)
Nickel 1 (1)
Manganese 0 (1)
Silver 0 (0)
Titanium 0 (0)
Vanadium 0 (0)
Boron 56 (25)
Silicon 11 (33)
Sodium 7 (137)
Calcium 771 (1100)
Magnesium 1276 (564)
Phosporus 603 (894)
Zinc 718 (1045)
Barium 0 (2)

Test value first number (second number desired range)
SUS Viscosity 59.4 (55-61)
Flashpoint 390 (>375)
Fuel % <0.5 (<2.0)
Antifreeze 0 (0)
Water % 0 (<0.05)
Insolubles .4 (<.06)

Any comments? I do not know what all this means, but the silicon level indicates satisfactory air filtering by the K&N and the oil still had life left. I wonder if the additive package was still active? What does the higher Calcium mean?

If anybody would like these guy's number or email, I'd be happy to provide it. They probably would give the LOD members the same discount they give to the diesel page members.

Mark Curtis - Kennesaw, Georgia

I think that would be a great resource. It could really give a heads up to anyone having problems.

Mike Gilbert
http://nightsky.home.texas.net/markviii
'93 Mark VIII
black/black

Make that:

Insolubles .4 (<.6)

Mark Curtis - Kennesaw, Georgia