here's a UOA with the cheapo wal mart synthetic. granted it was only a 3k sample, but I'm happy with the results. BTW - I did NOT change the oil at this sample.

my only concern is with the insolubles - which seem high for only a 3k sample. what is this insoluble stuff?

let me know what you think.....

a couple more comments:
1) I ran a bottle of techron through the tank about 1k miles into the interval.
2) I drive about 50/50 traffic jams/open Hwy.
3) I use OEM Nissan oil filters (the 9E000 type)
4) this is the first OCI on synthetic oil.

 

Looks OK. Zn/phos are a little on the low side, but wear metals are low.

 

In future, run the Chevron Techron close to the end of the OCI.

 

ok, but why?

 

It may affect the viscosity of the engine oil and many recommend using it just a few hundred miles before a scheduled oil change. This recommendation has been repeated ad infinitum on the .org and BITOG.

 

well, I don't mean to disagree with the experts, but this oil stayed right in grade despite the early techron treatment (it's a thin 30wt to begin with). now if elevated isolubles were a concern, then you'd make me a believer. that was the one aspect of this UOA I didn't like. but that might be fixed with a better filter.

I have seen the techron recommendation before, but no matter how many times it has been repeated, I still have not seen a convincing argument (with data) to support it. hence my question "why". you'll have to excuse me, I am an engineer and need to see data to make a decision. its my nature. the data I now have tells me techron does not cause oil to thin. but it might elevate your insolubles. I have a carbon problem, so perhaps that's what happened here. I'd need more data to confirm.

 

usually we get high lead with techron, you seem to be an exception, making me wonder if you need it at all

 

If it provides any comfort, the two times that the stealership has added BG02 fuel additives to my Maxima was in conjunction with an oil change. But who said they know what they're doing?

 

they DONT know what there doing, you know that by now bobo...

 

I've got ghastly amounts of carbon on my pistons. I have another thread somewhere with photos of it. the techron really didn't work the first time. I might do another treatment and then do some other things that the bitog guys suggested (water, LC soak, etc). I just don't like the idea of sucking water into a running engine, or dumping solvents down the spark plug tube.

 

I know that and it's the reason my local stealership's service department has banned me, lol!

 

that is impressive sir............