Blackstone-labs results are in...

Recently sent off a oil sample for my truck to Blackstone-labs. I’ve swapped to a full synthetic and only had about 4,300 miles since the latest oil change but fig what the hay.
I was pleased to hear the results! Looks like very little wear is going on currently so I’ll stick to 5k mile oil changes from here on out.

 

is your current mileage 153664?

how much does that report cost

 

No, at the time of testing it had 227k and change. It's $28 and if you want a TBN done its $10 extra. That's where they test to see how much additive is left in your oil in case you want to go longer in between changes. The mileage is listed in the test as "Mi/hr on unit"

 

Almost all blackstone reports on synthetic usually tell the owner to man up and push further with intervals haha. This one doesn't really report that, but its nice to know you're in good shape.

 

ok i wasnt sure, i just pulled that number off of the client ID on the invoice

 

Yea, i was only at 4,300 miles but with syn or conventional i don't like going past 5k. I don't care what the experts say about 7,500 or 10k that's way too much for my liking.. I change it myself so 5k is a nice round number for me to remember lol. I mainly just asked about internal wear etc. I could have opted for the tbn report for additves but like i say I go with the 5k service anyway.

 

I wouldn't spend any extra money too get an eval done if I'm going 5k changes. It's a waste. Conventional oil goes 5k without an issue. That's like spending money to find out water is wet.

5k synthetic changes are a waste as well imo.

 

Yeah, those darn experts trying to save you money and time. But screw them.

 

The way I look at it it’s my money and my truck so if I wanna change my oil earlier than it’s suggested what’s it to anyone else. Everyone’s driving habits are different and every engine is unique when it comes to maintenance. Changing mine at 5k comes with peace of mind and that’s worth it to me. Just my 2 cents.

 

Send me $20 every 5k miles and I'll tell you your ok. You'll be money ahead and no worse off

 

I can do my oil change for $25 lol. This report was a 1 time deal. I don’t see a point in people doing repeated ones. Unless it’s maybe every 100k.

 

Lmao

 

I've been thinking about this for my '96 with 414,000 miles always used Penn 5W-30 (non-synthetic) and Fram filters. The results would be interesting if nothing else.

 

Go for it. What engine do you have? At 414k have you had any major failures?

 

It has the 3RZFE 2.7 engine. It's never had any engine problems major of minor, in fact never had an engine cover off.

 

Excellent. I’d be interested in seeing the results myself. Main reason I did one was I bought the truck with 200k. I did the valve cover gaskets etc and it didn’t look too bad but there was some gunk in spots. I’ve been religious on oil changes and went to synthetic. May be overkill but I’d like to see 400k myself.

 

I've always changed oil and filter at 5,000 miles or less.
Personally, I don't believe in changing brands, oil make-up or even oil viscosity in vehicles. Been using Pennz 5w-30 non-synthetic since first oil change. I did start off using Mobil1 0w-20 synthetic in my 2018 TRD Sport.

It's funny how you find horror stores regarding Fram oil filter defects on the internet however I sold hundreds of thousands of Fram filters through my auto parts stores over the years to DIYs, shops, car dealers and fleets and never had an issue. And of course Fram has certainly served my '96 Tacoma well.

 

you've never checked the valve clearances with 414k?!

 

Why, sounds and runs GREAT.

 

from what I understand (which I admit isn't a whole lot!!) tight valves are the main cause for burnt valves and cracking heads (aside from overheating). I'd be pretty nervous and curious at that mileage about how tight they'd be.

Edit: not telling you anything you don't already know but preventative maintenance is cheaper than repair