Synthetic motor oil

I use Blackstone (http://www.blackstone-labs.com/) in Indiana. They send me sample kits for no cost, and then it is about $1.75 to mail them the sample first class (I usually have the results within a week via email). The sample cost was $22.50 the last time I used them in July, but I think the price increased by $2 to $24.50 (their website will tell you for sure). The basic sample gives you a fairly complete workup less the TBN, which is another $10. We do not have any local services here in Fairbanks, and I find Blackstone to be very user-friendly.

I opted for TBN on my first two samples in March and July of 2010 since it was my first oil in the car (after the car's initial 2500 mile run up from Seattle), but I won't do TBN on this mid-cycle sample. I will opt for TBN in July when I put in new oil again (assuming the results are favorable on this sample, which will have about 8,000 since the July change). If it is good this July, I will not do a TBN again for this car unless I change my brand of oil.

Just to clarify, by the TBN being "good," I am looking for a number near or above three. After all, I don't drive exactly the same number of miles every year and prefer an annual change interval.

Replies to this message:

Mr_Shiftright (Jan 11, 2011 10:27 am)
- ruking1 (Jan 11, 2011 10:35 am)

#8898 of 8935 Re: My feelings... [xwesx] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jan 11, 2011 (10:27 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Jan 10, 2011 6:19 pm)

Thanks for that info.

Replies to this message:

ruking1 (Jan 11, 2011 10:35 am)

#8899 of 8935 Re: My feelings... [Mr_Shiftright] by ruking1

Jan 11, 2011 (10:35 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jan 11, 2011 10:27 am)

Right to get a sense of what the particular oil looks like right out of the bottle (VOA) virgin oil analysis, there is a sight that documents some of the history. www.bobistheoilguy.com (if I am permited to list other web sites).

#8900 of 8935 Oil filters by jeffyscott

Jan 13, 2011 (12:27 pm)

I took advantage of a deal at autozone, 5 quarts of Mobil one and a free Mobil oil filter (up to $12.99) for $29.99.

They did not have a filter to fit our Jetta, it would be special order and not eligible for the deal. So I got a filter for a different vehicle, that I will use some other time. The NAPA store apparently has Mann and NAPA Gold in stock and Checker has Wix. From what I have read these all seem to be highly regarded, but most of what I have found is pretty old so I thought I'd check on current opinions.

Replies to this message:

ruking1 (Jan 13, 2011 2:46 pm)

#8901 of 8935 Re: Oil filters [jeffyscott] by ruking1

Jan 13, 2011 (2:46 pm)

Replying to: jeffyscott (Jan 13, 2011 12:27 pm)

Unless damaged , no harm no foul. I just recently changed an oil filter with 20,000 miles OCI, and replaced it with the same model FRAM (no less, choke choke to some) oil filters both purchased in 1998 (12+ years old for the one just replace, 13 years old for the "new unused one") I have ZERO issues with it (Fram PH8A) lasting 1 to 2 years in use (my SWAG) or 14 to 15 years old with a target of another 20,000 miles.

Most of the brands of which you speak are really re-packaged Mann, Bosch, Meyle, Hengst, etc., anyway. There is really little demand outside of known frequented logistic channels, which is probably why they do look ...OLD. For whatever reasons those brands who do repackaging in which you speak, usuallly cost more than the actual oem ...brands. They are usually not nearly as old either. So for example, I bought a slug of Mann branded oil filters for 4.50 each, including shipping. I priced the "correct" size in a FRAM rebranded/repackage and it was 12.99 (as I remember)

Replies to this message:

#8902 of 8935 Re: Oil filters [rdub7] by xwesx

Jan 13, 2011 (3:15 pm)

Replying to: ruking1 (Jan 13, 2011 2:46 pm)

The only concern for older filters is the condition of the seal, which will degrade (harden) over time depending on the storage conditions. If it is not showing signs of cracking or flaking, it should be fine.

#8903 of 8935 Re: Oil filters [rdub7] by jeffyscott

Jan 13, 2011 (4:58 pm)

Replying to: ruking1 (Jan 13, 2011 2:46 pm)

I meant the comments I had found by searching were old, not the filters.

#8904 of 8935 Re: Oil filters [rdub7] by jeffyscott

Jan 13, 2011 (5:36 pm)

Replying to: ruking1 (Jan 13, 2011 2:46 pm)

One difference I did notice is the listed weight of the filters. Autozone has the following for my car:

Fram 0.15 lbs
STP 0.2 lbs
Mobil 0.256 lbs
K&N 0.15 lbs

If pictures are accurate, there are some differences in the ends, the ones with black plastic pieces look more durable to me.

Replies to this message:

ruking1 (Jan 13, 2011 5:48 pm)
- ruking1 (Jan 13, 2011 7:08 pm)

#8905 of 8935 Re: Oil filters [jeffyscott] by ruking1

Jan 13, 2011 (5:48 pm)

Replying to: jeffyscott (Jan 13, 2011 5:36 pm)

Either could be the exact one for your particular vehicle. Mine most looks like the second or lower picture. Each filter come with one LARGE O ring and one much smaller o ring. As you probably are aware, there is a TOP and bottom designation. It should be heeded.

Replies to this message:

ruking1 (Jan 13, 2011 7:08 pm)

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Forum Tools

Search Forums

Enter Keyword(s):

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle

Browse by Board

Browse by Topic

View All Topics

Learn More, Do More

Edmunds Community

Explore Edmunds