Oil analysis results from 2 labs for ULX-110 are in!
01-08-2001, 10:58 AM
#1
I was getting sort of impatient about why it took a couple of weeks, but the results of how ULX-110 performed after 10,400 miles with a Mobile 1 oil filter are in.
A picture of the samples before I sent them in(to satisfy Shing, mostly):
<A HREF="http://www.zing.com/picture/p2be61ba3619704e62d4494f5615a92cd/fefd2df4.jpg"><IMG SRC="http://www.zing.com/picture/p2be61ba3619704e62d4494f5615a92cd/fefd2df4.jpg"" width=480 height=320></A>
I had this oil analyzed by 2 labs:
Blackstone Laboratories - An independent lab that analyzes whatever oil you send them.
Oil Analyzers, Inc. - An independent lab that has an agreeement with Amsoil to analyze oil samples from people (such as me) who are using their Trigard Protection Plan. The Trigard Protection Plan involves only Amsoil oil samples and has you take a sample at 1k (which I did and am sending in) and then 25k or whenever you change your oil to compare how/if the Amsoil degraded over the full interval. However, they do have kits (sold by Amsoil and others) to analyze whatever kind of oil sample you have. These guys are not a part of Amsoil, but conspiracy theorists will probably take note of the affiliation, which is why I had the ULX oil analyzed by 2 places. My subsequent Amsoil sample will be sent to these people as well. I just wanted to see results from 2 labs on the same sample to compare and contrast.
Anyhoo, I am more impressed with Blackstone on the results I got, although both are perfectly adequate.
Tomorrow I will display links to these results and I may get Shing to post these as well on his website (if he wants to).
Now for a brief summation of results:
Both tests revealed one area of concern: Silicon
According to the results sheet, silicon indicates traces of airborn dirt, sealers, gaskets, and anti-freeze inhibitors (which I have not used on the 99). Specifically, Blackstone Labs indicated a possible problem with air filtration, while the Oil Analyzers kit indicated silicone lube or sealant. I change air filters twice a year: June and December (i.e. before it gets real hot and before it gets real cold), so I doubt that's it.
Could this be the Mobile 1 synthetic oil filter, or additives in the ULX-110 oil?
The Blackstone Labs test indicated gas (below the limit, but still there) was present while Oil Analyzers didn't notice this.
Also, the Blackstone Labs test indicated that oil filtration was OK, and "all wear from the engine was easily normal" even though "Your oil was in use 10,400 miles, far longer than is routine for the type". While Blackstone doesn't mention this, the Oil Analyzers test said that the oil and filter should be changed because of elevated oxidation, even though they said "Normal Wear Indicated".
Not to get too long winded with this, but I'll be selling my remaining 2-1/2 gallon container of ULX-110 now that I have lab results (for those who don't trust synthetics). Look for it soon in the "For Sale" section. Everyone will get to see these in Black and White in a post tomorrow.
Further proof that changing your oil at 3k is a waste, especially these days....
Of the two analysis details, I like the one from <A HREF="http://www.blackstone-labs.com/">Blackstone Labs</A> better. Its easier to comprehend, IMHO, and seems more detailed than the Oil Analyzers test results. Sure, its $18.50, but worth it if you want to know what's happening with your oil.....
[Edited by bill99gxe on 01-09-2001 at 09:14 AM]
A picture of the samples before I sent them in(to satisfy Shing, mostly):
<A HREF="http://www.zing.com/picture/p2be61ba3619704e62d4494f5615a92cd/fefd2df4.jpg"><IMG SRC="http://www.zing.com/picture/p2be61ba3619704e62d4494f5615a92cd/fefd2df4.jpg"" width=480 height=320></A>
I had this oil analyzed by 2 labs:
Blackstone Laboratories - An independent lab that analyzes whatever oil you send them.
Oil Analyzers, Inc. - An independent lab that has an agreeement with Amsoil to analyze oil samples from people (such as me) who are using their Trigard Protection Plan. The Trigard Protection Plan involves only Amsoil oil samples and has you take a sample at 1k (which I did and am sending in) and then 25k or whenever you change your oil to compare how/if the Amsoil degraded over the full interval. However, they do have kits (sold by Amsoil and others) to analyze whatever kind of oil sample you have. These guys are not a part of Amsoil, but conspiracy theorists will probably take note of the affiliation, which is why I had the ULX oil analyzed by 2 places. My subsequent Amsoil sample will be sent to these people as well. I just wanted to see results from 2 labs on the same sample to compare and contrast.
Anyhoo, I am more impressed with Blackstone on the results I got, although both are perfectly adequate.
Tomorrow I will display links to these results and I may get Shing to post these as well on his website (if he wants to).
Now for a brief summation of results:
Both tests revealed one area of concern: Silicon
According to the results sheet, silicon indicates traces of airborn dirt, sealers, gaskets, and anti-freeze inhibitors (which I have not used on the 99). Specifically, Blackstone Labs indicated a possible problem with air filtration, while the Oil Analyzers kit indicated silicone lube or sealant. I change air filters twice a year: June and December (i.e. before it gets real hot and before it gets real cold), so I doubt that's it.
Could this be the Mobile 1 synthetic oil filter, or additives in the ULX-110 oil?
The Blackstone Labs test indicated gas (below the limit, but still there) was present while Oil Analyzers didn't notice this.
Also, the Blackstone Labs test indicated that oil filtration was OK, and "all wear from the engine was easily normal" even though "Your oil was in use 10,400 miles, far longer than is routine for the type". While Blackstone doesn't mention this, the Oil Analyzers test said that the oil and filter should be changed because of elevated oxidation, even though they said "Normal Wear Indicated".
Not to get too long winded with this, but I'll be selling my remaining 2-1/2 gallon container of ULX-110 now that I have lab results (for those who don't trust synthetics). Look for it soon in the "For Sale" section. Everyone will get to see these in Black and White in a post tomorrow.
Further proof that changing your oil at 3k is a waste, especially these days....
Of the two analysis details, I like the one from <A HREF="http://www.blackstone-labs.com/">Blackstone Labs</A> better. Its easier to comprehend, IMHO, and seems more detailed than the Oil Analyzers test results. Sure, its $18.50, but worth it if you want to know what's happening with your oil.....
[Edited by bill99gxe on 01-09-2001 at 09:14 AM]
01-09-2001, 02:29 PM
#5
No, ULX-110 is to dino oil what
Amsoil is to synthetic oil.
In other words, <A HREF="http://www.ulx110.com">ULX-110</A> is a highly refined conventional oil that is supposed to have the type of interval range associated with Mobile 1 and other synthetic oils. It has quite a reputation with diesel owners in the trucking industry, although I am unaware of such a 'cult' following with car drivers.
Anyway, someone mentioned using this stuff a year or two ago and I started using it in both of my Maxes. However, I then came aquainted with Amsoil (thanks to Jeff92se) and decided to go to it because of the promised 25k interval.
Overall, I'm impressed that a dino oil can go 10k without changing the oil OR the oil filter, but I want to go for 25k (with a filter change at 12.5k) and see how that goes. I wouldn't recommend any further than 10k with ULX-110, at least not without a filter change (mainly because I don't have proof beyond this). The owner of the company did e-mail me and claim 15k interval changes, and I have no reason to doubt that, especially if you change the filter at 7.5k miles.....
In other words, <A HREF="http://www.ulx110.com">ULX-110</A> is a highly refined conventional oil that is supposed to have the type of interval range associated with Mobile 1 and other synthetic oils. It has quite a reputation with diesel owners in the trucking industry, although I am unaware of such a 'cult' following with car drivers.
Anyway, someone mentioned using this stuff a year or two ago and I started using it in both of my Maxes. However, I then came aquainted with Amsoil (thanks to Jeff92se) and decided to go to it because of the promised 25k interval.
Overall, I'm impressed that a dino oil can go 10k without changing the oil OR the oil filter, but I want to go for 25k (with a filter change at 12.5k) and see how that goes. I wouldn't recommend any further than 10k with ULX-110, at least not without a filter change (mainly because I don't have proof beyond this). The owner of the company did e-mail me and claim 15k interval changes, and I have no reason to doubt that, especially if you change the filter at 7.5k miles.....
01-09-2001, 02:46 PM
#6
The missing moderator
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,019
Re: sorry i missed somthing
Originally posted by theMax
Is the ULX-110 amsoil? I'm not sure what was tested? thanks for sharing this real data with us, which is much more helpful than opinions!
Is the ULX-110 amsoil? I'm not sure what was tested? thanks for sharing this real data with us, which is much more helpful than opinions!
bill - man, it's already been 6k... almost time to change oil.
-Shing
01-09-2001, 03:05 PM
#7
Re: Re: sorry i missed somthing
Originally posted by Shingles
BTW you can check the link in my sig to see some numbers.
bill - man, it's already been 6k... almost time to change oil.
-Shing
Originally posted by theMax
Is the ULX-110 amsoil? I'm not sure what was tested? thanks for sharing this real data with us, which is much more helpful than opinions!
Is the ULX-110 amsoil? I'm not sure what was tested? thanks for sharing this real data with us, which is much more helpful than opinions!
bill - man, it's already been 6k... almost time to change oil.
-Shing
Sent you an e-mail with the official numbers from both oil analyses.....
01-10-2001, 10:01 AM
#9
Re: synthetics bad?
Ok I just read that part too.
1) Their comments about astro turf and leisure suits are ridiculas.
2) The seal problems have more to do w/ the auto maker's seal material than the oil. Makers have redesigned their seal materials since the mid 1980's I guess.
3) Sludge problems due to the non-conbustibity of synthentics. I never heard this one. But Porsche and Vettes some w/ synthetics from the factory.
Notes: they HAVE to put alot of additive packages in their oil to make it perform. Synthetics by their basic design DOESNT'T need as many additives. Additives break down. Additives are the ones that turn into sludge when burnt.
That's my 2 cents. It's good oil and I think it's a good idea back in the late 70's to the late 80's. But for the price, I would rather have synthetics.
1) Their comments about astro turf and leisure suits are ridiculas.
2) The seal problems have more to do w/ the auto maker's seal material than the oil. Makers have redesigned their seal materials since the mid 1980's I guess.
3) Sludge problems due to the non-conbustibity of synthentics. I never heard this one. But Porsche and Vettes some w/ synthetics from the factory.
Notes: they HAVE to put alot of additive packages in their oil to make it perform. Synthetics by their basic design DOESNT'T need as many additives. Additives break down. Additives are the ones that turn into sludge when burnt.
That's my 2 cents. It's good oil and I think it's a good idea back in the late 70's to the late 80's. But for the price, I would rather have synthetics.
Originally posted by theMax
What do you make of the comments on the ULX-110's site about the harms of synthetic oil. Has anyone else heard this, or is it just to protect their own vested intrest?
What do you make of the comments on the ULX-110's site about the harms of synthetic oil. Has anyone else heard this, or is it just to protect their own vested intrest?
01-10-2001, 11:09 AM
#10
Re: Re: synthetics bad?
Originally posted by Jeff92se
Ok I just read that part too.
1) Their comments about astro turf and leisure suits are ridiculas.
2) The seal problems have more to do w/ the auto maker's seal material than the oil. Makers have redesigned their seal materials since the mid 1980's I guess.
3) Sludge problems due to the non-conbustibity of synthentics. I never heard this one. But Porsche and Vettes some w/ synthetics from the factory.
Notes: they HAVE to put alot of additive packages in their oil to make it perform. Synthetics by their basic design DOESNT'T need as many additives. Additives break down. Additives are the ones that turn into sludge when burnt.
That's my 2 cents. It's good oil and I think it's a good idea back in the late 70's to the late 80's. But for the price, I would rather have synthetics.
Ok I just read that part too.
1) Their comments about astro turf and leisure suits are ridiculas.
2) The seal problems have more to do w/ the auto maker's seal material than the oil. Makers have redesigned their seal materials since the mid 1980's I guess.
3) Sludge problems due to the non-conbustibity of synthentics. I never heard this one. But Porsche and Vettes some w/ synthetics from the factory.
Notes: they HAVE to put alot of additive packages in their oil to make it perform. Synthetics by their basic design DOESNT'T need as many additives. Additives break down. Additives are the ones that turn into sludge when burnt.
That's my 2 cents. It's good oil and I think it's a good idea back in the late 70's to the late 80's. But for the price, I would rather have synthetics.
Which means (once again) Jeff's right. ULX HAS to put the extra additives in their oil to go extended drain intervals because of its dino oil's tendency to break down after X amount of miles. Meanwhile, synthetics don't have to take this into account as much because it is integrated in the initial design.
As an aside, maybe Jeff and I should just lobby Jamie for an 'Oil' forum on here.....
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