Break In Oil Change - Thoughts

[OrangeStreak]

I could very well be wrong, but I don't think this is the case. I used the Motorcraft synthetic blend in my first oil change, and sent samples from both the first (factory oil) and the second (off-the-shelf motorcraft) oil changes to Blackstone for UOAs. There were multiple differences, and while most of them were minor enough to be attributed to analytical variability or washout of gunk from the newly manufactured engine, there was only 13 ppm moly in the used factory oil, but 97 ppm in used Motorcraft synthetic blend. I haven't noticed whether the UOAs that other people have posted show a similar difference.

At what mileages did you do the 1st and 2nd oil changes? What is the acceptable or normal range for the ppm level according to Blackstone?
Thanks.

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[LoneRNGR]

What was the level rating at 1000 miles as compared to the normal or acceptable threshold?
Thanks.

 

[T Bone]

i must be an idiot (for the record seconded by the mrs, but i took mine in when the computer said i should, for me at like 5500 miles in one year, and they said my choice of synthetic was fine. I do like my dealer, they have gone above and beyond with everything so far

 

[OrangeStreak]

This information was interesting and I went to the Blackstone site to learn how to interpret the results and nothing yet, but will keep searching. I left a message for them to call me in the meantime. Am considering getting my oil changed right away and have it tested.

 

[Trigganometry]

That’s mine. I have a little fuel but I’m not worried about it unless it gets high and stays there. The metals amount on a new engine is within normal. I’m at the point mileage wise now where I can wind it up a few times to max and get rings set and should be good to go with the next analysis check.

 

[OrangeStreak]

This information was interesting and I went to the Blackstone site to learn how to interpret the results and nothing yet, but will keep searching. I left a message for them to call me in the meantime. Am considering getting my oil changed right away and have it tested.

PS: Found a video that explains this: Undertstanding your Blackstone oil report - YouTube

 

[Buddybiro]

You would be crazy if you didn’t change it. Just the fact that your asking means you are concerned, if you change it you will feel so much better AND all the metal shavings that you remove will do no harm to your engine. Change it and feel great about your truck. It certainly won’t hurt!

 

[GregsFX2Ranger]

That’s mine. I have a little fuel but I’m not worried about it unless it gets high and stays there. The metals amount on a new engine is within normal. I’m at the point mileage wise now where I can wind it up a few times to max and get rings set and should be good to go with the next analysis check.

What is bringing your viscosity from 5w30 to 0w20???

 

[Trigganometry]

What is bringing your viscosity from 5w30 to 0w20???

Fuel dilution. If it reports back the same again will use 5W40 change after. My suspicion is there is always going to be some blow by fuel in these engines. To a degree that vents off in crankcase from sloshing and heat to get pulled into intake. I’m going to add a catch can so I feel better about it ?

 

[GregsFX2Ranger]

Fuel dilution. If it reports back the same again will use 5W40 change after. My suspicion is there is always going to be some blow by fuel in these engines. To a degree that vents off in crankcase from sloshing and heat to get pulled into intake. I’m going to add a catch can so I feel better about it ?

I bought some Castrol 5w-40. Think I might just use it anyway on the first oil change (or 3 qts 5w30 and 3 qts of 5w-40)

 

[VAMike]

break-in oil was a thing when oil was crappier and filters were crappier. it's a waste of time in the 21st century.

 

[Buddybiro]

wouldnt they be in the filter getting a nice warm snuggly hug from the filter elements?

Nope! drain your oil and take the pan out into the sunlight. The first oil change is the worst, it will look like metal flake paint with all the tiny partials of metal in there. If I can see that with my eye it can’t be good. Even if it is acceptable, I would feel better changing it. I always do a new car before 1000 miles and if nothing else for $30 I feel better

 

[Hounddog409]

Hi All, new, happy owner of a 2021 4x4 Lariat Crew Cab. I picked it up in Boise last Saturday and drove back to Seattle - the truck has about 700 miles on it. I'm leaving next week for New York for a couple of months - driving the Ranger there and back. Was thinking I should do a 'break in' oil change before I leave (probably will have 800 miles only). That way, when I'm back in August the truck will have about 8000 miles on it (mostly highway) and ready for oil change two. What do you folks think about changing prior to my leaving at a fairly low mileage?

Keep your money. This is not 1953.
Change every 5-7k and dont worry about it.

 

[LoneRNGR]

This information was interesting and I went to the Blackstone site to learn how to interpret the results and nothing yet, but will keep searching.

This might help.
https://www.blackstone-labs.com/services/report-explanation/

Specifically, this document: https://www.blackstone-labs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Understanding-Engine-combined.pdf

 

[jsphlynch]

At what mileages did you do the 1st and 2nd oil changes? What is the acceptable or normal range for the ppm level according to Blackstone?
Thanks.

First change was at 2000 miles, second was at 7000 miles. I haven't seen anywhere that Blackstone has a limit for moly. The levels can be quite variable as it is frequently used in oil additives in varying amounts.

The moly is part of light grease used in assembly. They takes awhile to work through and become suspended in the oil. The moly is important for breaking in though. Longer it stays in there the better.

Although I didn’t see it in my analysis it doesn’t mean it’s not present. I have my suspicions about PTFE being in there too. Has the same benefits as moly and is introduced the same way.

I would have thought the assembly grease would have been well on its way to working itself out in the first 2k miles. However, Google led me to a post on another forum where somebody had sent in some virgin Motorcraft synthetic blend 5w30, and the report showed moly in the mid-teens, which definitely supports your suggestion.

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