Hello

I don't see a thread dedicated to UOA/Used Oil Analysis and figured I'd try seeing if one would be popular. I HAVE NO FINANCIAL INTEREST IN THE COUPLE OF LINKS I'VE POSTED.

Decided to dive into practice of having used oil test on my 2020 CX-5 Signature. In part because I have decided to try Costco's 'Kirkland Signature' synthetic 5w-30 after seen results of testing/comparison of things like flow and wear at Project Farm on YouTube, especially vs Mobil1, Amsoil, and other in head-to-head tests. Also saw good numbers at PQI, especially calcium below 1500ppm, highly recommended for direct injection to prevent low speed detonation.

After watching quite a few of their YouTube videos as well as seeing favorable comments by others, I decided to go with Speediagnostix. Sent-off two samples last week. One is 2k mile used Kirkland 5w-30 with Liqui Moly MoS2 and with using a magnetic drain plug. Didn't occur to me until taking the sample that the Liqui Moly and magnet would skew things. I decided to send a second sample of fresh, straight out of the jug oil to be tested as well.

I received the results on the used oil. 99% good.... But somewhat alarming... Things like no coolant or water in the oil as well as minimal fuel trace are excellent. Couldn't be happier. Some CX-5 owners have got the jump on head gasket issues through repeated UOA. Also, I have a K&N filter, which some people like to claim lets in (more) dirt than other filters. A silicone result of 6 would show that is not happening . (especially being winter with all the extra sand and such on the streets)

However, the oil tested BELOW GRADE. The oil I have should be 5w-30. My oil tested in the 20 viscosity range. The iron ppm is also slightly elevated. Somewhat concerning. Right now I am awaiting results of the new, unused oil. Is it incorrectly graded? Did the Liqui Moly MoS2 thin it out? Can't wait to see the clues...

 

There have been many OIL use reports posted on this and other forums. The one I recommend is
Blackstone Laboratories Blackstone Laboratories (blackstone-labs.com)




Here is my last report on both Engine and transmission. They also keep a record for comparison of previous oil samples.

 

Your use of K&N filter.....





Yes I often see this on many different platform forum. Yet none of those claims wants to take K&N up on there on going challenge dating back to the early 1980's.


First let me say I use and believe in the K&N filters . I am by no means trying to debate what others feel but I do want to interject a few verifiable facts. I also want to state I use K&N filters have been a on and off Distributor and retailer since around the late 1970's
K&N has had an ongoing challenge with I believe 10k+ reward for their K&N filter challenge that has been offed for decades. Not one filter company willing to be tested and published with K&N has taken K&N up on the publicly tested challenge.
As for that video it was technically debunked almost as soon as it came out like so many DIY video claims and poorly devised testing and testing equipment in uncontrolled environment.
I might add that K&N engineering and development department and their testing equipment is in line with the best in the world. That said many air filter companies use their testing facilities to develop their own line of filters. This is not as publicly known but if you look you can find everything I just posted.


Anyone using a K&N filter follows the use instructions then you would not have a "filtering" concern! What I have found reading on many platform is the improper use and servicing of a K&N filter and when there are issues it seldom the user then say "shucks by golly I didn't follow the use instruction" but rather points the blame to the filter.