Metal-flake Oil?

[deliriousga]

You need to have an oil analysis done. I get a sample every time I change the oil and send it in for analysis so I know if any internal parts are wearing. I use Blackstone Labs. They will send you a free kit to send in the oil and the report is back to you in a couple of weeks for $20. Cheap insurance for each oil change.

[edevlin]

I took the advice offered by the group and sent a sample of the oil in question to Blackstone labs. They seemed to give the car a clean bill of health. Here is what they wrote:

“ED: You may have seen some metal flakes in your oil but it appears your engine is wearing just fine after your 5000-mile oil run. The universal averages for typical wear metals in oil from the 2.7L 6-cylinder are based on 7500 miles of oil use so your Boxster seems to be doing well. 0.5% of the sample was gas, likely from city driving, but it didn't hurting anything. Air and oil filtration (see silicon and insolubles) appeared to be normal and the oil's viscosity was okay for a OW/40 product. Stay with the 5K-mile oil changes and check back to establish engine wear trends. Nice Porsche!”


Ed

[Brucelee]

Stay with the 5K-mile oil changes and check back to establish engine wear trends. Nice Porsche!”

THAT is a very interesting recommendation. There have been many debates on this forum about whether the M1 will go to 15K or 20K miles. Personally, I used the 7500 interval myself.

I do respect the Blackstone guys so please report back when you do your next analysis.

Thanks!