Latest Blackstone Labs Oil Analysis (Fuel Percentage)

[priceman14]

Hello All,

I'm aware that other Ranger owners have made comments on fuel percentage.

I just got my latest oil analysis from Blackstone Labs, and it shows an increase in fuel percentage over the previous report:

2024: about 3000 miles on oil: 1.5% fuel dilution
2025: about 6000 miles on oil: 1.5% fuel dilution
2026: about 6100 miles on oil: 2.3% fuel dilution

I use Mobil 1 Full Synthetic and pretty much just use the truck for commuting (30 minute commute one way, mixed driving). Truck has about 60000 miles on it. There was a 300 mile highway road trip not long before the most recent sample of oil was taken.

Could this increase in fuel dilution over prior samples be a cause for concern?

Thanks!

Sponsored

 

[Stevedbvik1]

Hello All,

I'm aware that other Ranger owners have made comments on fuel percentage.

I just got my latest oil analysis from Blackstone Labs, and it shows an increase in fuel percentage over the previous report:

2024: about 3000 miles on oil: 1.5% fuel dilution
2025: about 6000 miles on oil: 1.5% fuel dilution
2026: about 6100 miles on oil: 2.3% fuel dilution

I use Mobil 1 Full Synthetic and pretty much just use the truck for commuting (30 minute commute one way, mixed driving). Truck has about 60000 miles on it. There was a 300 mile highway road trip not long before the most recent sample of oil was taken.

Could this increase in fuel dilution over prior samples be a cause for concern?

Thanks!

What dates/time of year were each of these samples taken ?

 

[priceman14]

What dates/time of year were each of these samples taken ?

2024: Late June
2025: Early June
2026: Late April

 

[ScarzRanger21(2.0)]

What High Fuel Dilution Means

• Thinning Oil: The fuel acts as a solvent, significantly lowering the oil's viscosity, which makes it unable to maintain a protective lubrication film between moving parts.
• Reduced Protection: It compromises the oil's ability to protect against wear and reduces the effectiveness of detergent additives.
• Increased Wear: It can wash oil from cylinder walls and cause higher rates of piston, ring, and bearing wear.

Why It's Common

• Direct Injection (GDI): Fuel is injected directly into the cylinder at high pressure. If this fuel washes past piston rings into the oil sump, it causes dilution.
• Short Trips & Cold Operation: The engine never reaches a high enough temperature to evaporate fuel that inevitably mixes with the oil.
• Turbocharged Engines: These engines are more prone to higher fuel dilution.
  Key Indicators & Levels: Considered severe if levels are 3.5% and critical at 5%

 

[ScarzRanger21(2.0)]

I would consider changing your oil sooner. Even though manufacturers (and even the label on the Mobil 1 bottles) claim you can go to 10k miles, I NEVER go past 5k.
Don’t idle your engine unnecessarily when you don’t need to, drive it easy until it reaches operating temps, and monitor your oil level. With the 2.3 ecoboost motors, it’s not super uncommon to have a bit of fuel dilution. If you get it tested again after trying these steps and have higher than 3%, I’d be concerned.

 

[Stevedbvik1]

2024: Late June
2025: Early June
2026: Late April

Your highest reading was taken from cold weather oil. Actually 2.5% is pretty good for winter driving. I’d love to see those percentages. Last two oil samples for me were 6.7% ( summer driving) and 7.9% winter driving. Working with dealer/Ford to try to get it figured out. Just wrapping up a requested 1000 mile drive on fresh oil for them to diagnose. Will post the full story sometime next week.

 

[priceman14]

Last two oil samples for me were 6.7% ( summer driving) and 7.9% winter driving. Working with dealer/Ford to try to get it figured out. Just wrapping up a requested 1000 mile drive on fresh oil for them to diagnose. Will post the full story sometime next week.

Wow - sorry to hear your readings were high - let us know what the diagnosis is

 

[Oddball]

Your highest reading was taken from cold weather oil. Actually 2.5% is pretty good for winter driving. I’d love to see those percentages. Last two oil samples for me were 6.7% ( summer driving) and 7.9% winter driving. Working with dealer/Ford to try to get it figured out. Just wrapping up a requested 1000 mile drive on fresh oil for them to diagnose. Will post the full story sometime next week.

I've been in the same boat for a bit with high percentages.

I worked with my dealer recently to have my radiator thermostat replaced under warranty. My engine was never getting past 85C during operation, and you could see it start to level off in the high 70s. The thermostat is only supposed to start opening at 92C according to the maintenance manual, so I told them that I think it's defective and what might be causing my fuel to dilute, since the heavier fuel compounds won't evaporate until you are into the 90s C. I just had this changed, so I plan to test later this month

 

[diesel924]

2.3% at 6,000 miles would not concern me.

 

[Stevedbvik1]

I've been in the same boat for a bit with high percentages.

I worked with my dealer recently to have my radiator thermostat replaced under warranty. My engine was never getting past 85C during operation, and you could see it start to level off in the high 70s. The thermostat is only supposed to start opening at 92C according to the maintenance manual, so I told them that I think it's defective and what might be causing my fuel to dilute, since the heavier fuel compounds won't evaporate until you are into the 90s C. I just had this changed, so I plan to test later this month

Thanks, I’ll start monitoring that

 

[Fordup]

My oil gets changed about every 2k miles (when the oil life indicator on the app gets to about 10%) at the dealer. The level between changes always goes up with the oil stinking like gas. Dealer said it's normal for these engines and don't worry.

 

[Stevedbvik1]

My oil gets changed about every 2k miles (when the oil life indicator on the app gets to about 10%) at the dealer. The level between changes always goes up with the oil stinking like gas. Dealer said it's normal for these engines and don't worry.

I had 7.9% fuel dilution on my last sample. The oil only had 500 miles on it. So maybe 200 mile oil changes ?

 

[Av8or1]

How hot you got the engine IMMEDIATELY before the oil sample has a bigger effect on fuel dilution. Fuel is volatile and flashes off very quickly. So if you didn't get the engine hot or take it on a long drive right before taking the sample will greatly affect your result. I wouldn't worry about it.

I use Blackstone for my plane engines. Neat to see it used on rangers too .

 

[Dereku]

There is a reason I dont tested. Ignorance is bliss. Mine could be 20% for all I know but it runs good and sounds normal.

 

[ctechbob]

Don't forget it is a good idea to run a dose of techron through your truck on a regular basis (at least once per oil change). This can help keep fuel dilution down.

Sponsored