Used oil analysis - 2014 5.3 - GM Dexos 0W-20 6,219 miles

[gone_fishing]

This is the first UOA for my 2014 GMC Sierra 5.3. OLM was at 19% and in service from January 2014 to April 2014. Mostly highway driven (around 85%). Engine is on its 2nd OCI when this sample was taken (first change at 6,900 miles and 9% OLM). Oil was changed at dealership and they used GM #19259487 (Dexos 0w20) and a ACDelco PF63 filter.

Main reason I wanted to run a UOA was to check for fuel dilution (which some DI engines are known for). Glad to see there was no fuel and flash point is still high. I would suspect wear metals (iron and copper) will trend downwards as engine breaks in.

 

[fondupot]

Good info! I need to remember to get a sample on my next oil change.

[Evanski9]

Are you running a Oil / Air Separator?

[Ventilator]

Thanks for posting that information. I changed at 3,735 miles (51%), and again at 7,512 or so (50% I think), so I'm not concerned after reading your report.

 

What do they charge you for the analysis?

 

I think I'm going to stick with my 3,750 interval until I reach 15,000. That will be 4 oil changes. Then I might stretch it out to 5,000 between changes, depending on what I read here?

 

Good information, thanks again!

[TJay74]

Why 3750? I have been changing the oil in my GM vehicles every 5000-7500 miles since 2001 and been putting around 100,000 on them with no issues. Does nothing more than waste oil, granted you don't have to pay for the oil change for 4 uses but still a waste. Took my truck in at 5200 miles and had mine done.

[TxTruckMan]

OEMs have been using OLMs for decades now without issue and people still don't trust them. I don't get it. It's just a waste of money to change so frequently.

[Chris]

Older engine but I can chime in about the OLM. I run M1EP with the M1EP filter, I my intervals are about 10k going by the OLM which is what I use. I drive a lot of highway. If I drive mostly city for the month my interval is shorter, around 7500.

[gone_fishing]

Are you running a Oil / Air Separator?

 

No not currently though I might add one at some point. Waiting to see how others go about installing them.

 

 

What do they charge you for the analysis?

 

Blackstone Labs charges $25 for the report plus $10 if you want TBN (Total Base Number). TBN is basically the amount of active additives that are left in the oil. This is only really needed when you are trying to extend oil change intervals and need to know how far you can go. Blackstone will flag at 1.0 or lower.

[Z45]

OEMs have been using OLMs for decades now without issue and people still don't trust them. I don't get it. It's just a waste of money to change so frequently.

Recreational Oil changing

 

 

The term "recreational oil changer" was coined to define people that change their oil far more than necessary because they actually enjoy doing it. It's easy to understand the psychology behind the recreational oil changing. It's the visceral feel of the tools, the victory when that old oil filter breaks free, the hot dirty oil pouring out, the joy of oiling of the gasket on the new filter, the clean clear oil going in, and the sense of accomplishment when you start the car, the oil light comes on for a moment, then goes out. For $20-30 in oil and filters, it's pretty cheap entertainment, but if people would be content to do it only when it provides some benefit to the vehicle, it would be better.

[Black02Silverado]

Another great place to have a UOA accomplished and a lot more personal tailored to your vehicle is Terry Dyson at Dyson Analysis. He sends back the report in a PDF and a .wav file with him explaining each and every wear metal and what it might represent. Plus you can contact him to ask questions. He is prior military and an all around great guy. I have been using his service for years now.

[txab]

Another great place to have a UOA accomplished and a lot more personal tailored to your vehicle is Terry Dyson at Dyson Analysis. He sends back the report in a PDF and a .wav file with him explaining each and every wear metal and what it might represent. Plus you can contact him to ask questions. He is prior military and an all around great guy. I have been using his service for years now.

 

 

+1

[Ventilator]

Why 3750? I have been changing the oil in my GM vehicles every 5000-7500 miles since 2001 and been putting around 100,000 on them with no issues. Does nothing more than waste oil, granted you don't have to pay for the oil change for 4 uses but still a waste. Took my truck in at 5200 miles and had mine done.

 

 

OEMs have been using OLMs for decades now without issue and people still don't trust them. I don't get it. It's just a waste of money to change so frequently.

 

Recreational Oil changing

 

 

Don't worry about my oil changes, and I wont tell you how long you should wear your underwear. I'll change it when I want to, so get over it.

[14'SilveradoLT]

My first oil change will be before the OLM says so...

 

Why? I've always been stubborn, but I truely believe that at around 2K miles on a new engine you should change it sooner to get the casting media, material, and metals out earlier in the engine life.

 

It just makes "Me" feel better.

[glcbn]

My first oil change will be before the OLM says so...

 

Why? I've always been stubborn, but I truely believe that at around 2K miles on a new engine you should change it sooner to get the casting media, material, and metals out earlier in the engine life.

 

It just makes "Me" feel better.

 

That's what I did,and it makes me feel better too.

[ShotgunZ71]

I've been going by the OLM in all my vehicles since 1999. Regular dino oil and the interval is usually around 7-7500 miles. That's with mixed driving. On my newer vehicles that run the synthetic, it usually inches up towards 8000 or so. It's all a matter of personal preference, so either way is good for pretty much everyone.