Depends on which one you get. They do offer one that's a full-flow only filter.

Can you honestly tell me that this filters down to 5 microns? LINK 1 LINK 2 LINK 3. Not possible. The media is too loosely packed, filled with debris, and filled with void pockets. With as low a flow that goes through it, it is almost guaranteed that the oil will find/form channels through the cotton.

You need to realize that the first instance of compulsion is in real life, the second in the dream world... so the connection between the two is only in the psyche... not a matter of personal hygiene...

__________________
1979 240D, W123, 105K miles, stick, white w/ tan interior.

Too bad - I wondered how long an over-engineered engine would last under such horrible conditions.

__________________
1999 E300D Turbo (For Sale approx. 4/2007)
2006 Honda Odyssey EX-L RES (hers)
2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer (SOLD)

I may take this up, and do it on my spare vehicle... I have a spare engine to swap out if it dies. of course I would need to repair the odometer first... I have driven it about 1 and 1/2 tanks of fuel since I changed the oil, I have no idea of it's condition prior to me, nor do I have any idea how many miles are currently on the motor. the problem I see is that it is a TD, and I hate to wear out a TD. of course the head should not have much wear due to infrequent OCI... also this vehicle is a non turbo, so the oil would be less abused than on a turbo motor.
post back here, IF you are interested in me doing this.
I will NOT abuse nor post my opinions anywhere else than this thread concerning the results.
John

__________________
John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

It is a shame that he couldn't have just tried this and reported, as you are proposing. It's something that does interest us all.

My take is that oil analysis costs more than an oil change, and I wouldn't want to rely on a very long interval (not to mention no interval) without analysis.

But the big diesels run a lot more than 3K per change. They hold a lot more oil and use bypass filters, so this isn't a fair comparison.

I bet if you ask, you'll get some people who will help with some analysis costs. I may help myself, but I ask that you do the first one out of your own pocket.

Wow, the guy who hands out infractions, or so he thinks gets banned himself for the same thing.

__________________
01 Ford Excursion Powerstroke
99 E300 Turbodiesel
91 Vette with 383 motor
05 Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI
06 Polaris Sportsman 500 EFI
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Red
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Yellow
04 Tailgator 21 ft Toy Hauler
11 Harley Davidson 883 SuperLow

I think the take home message from all of this is that the 3K oil change interval is VERY conservative, especially when using modern synthetics. All oil however does degrade so it is still necessary to change it. To push the envelope with change intervals requires oil analysis to prevent engine damage.

__________________
1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

Generally, oil analysis really isn't used to measure the life of the oil. What is being collected and logged is metal inclusion in the oil. The oil is the carrier of the metal. Certain metals are used in certain parts of the engine. However, sometimes analysis is used to dictate oil changes, such as based on TBN.

But for the most part, sampling is performed to develop wear trends. So you take a sample each time you change the oil. It shows a steady certain concentration of tin. It is about the same for 10 changes in a row. The 11th shows a sharp increase tin. You would then determine which wear parts contain tin, and make a decision to tear down and investigate, wait for the next sample, or take a chance and run until it gets worse or failure. Typically, it is much more cost effective to fix something before it is completely shot.

A single sample won't reveal much.

__________________
Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport

Yes, I understand one sample won't do much, but why do an oil sample if you can just change the oil for that same money.

Havent-A-Clue

The sampling is usually not done to extend oil changes, though the data supplied can help in that regard.

What you are really sampling for is trace metals in the oil, which could indicate failing lifters, bearings, rings, timing gears, etc. The idea is to catch the trace metals when they are still traces, and not entire pieces. A sudden increase in a certain metal or group of metals indicate impending failure. The idea is to catch the problem and resolve before catastrophic failure.

__________________
Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport

So when should I have my oil changed? I got this diesel car from my boss. He owed me money and didn't have the cash but he had this old diesel Mercedes so he let me have it.

It runs ok, but doesn't go very fast and makes lots of noise. He said it is supposed to sound like that. He might just be telling me that. There is a big stack of papers in the glove compartment with all the stuff that was done to it but I can't find the oil change in it. I think he got the car from a guy that couldn't pay his bar tab.

Havent-A-Clue

Hi Joe?!

Settin me up, are ya?


You can do what you want - this is America. 1k, 2k, 3k, 5k, 10k, 15k, never, everyday, try mystery oil, add trans oil to the oil use frying oil. Whatever you want man. Your choice.
Me, I go about 6k on my diesel car, I went FSS on my ML, up to 18k or so once, my C280 gets it every 5-6k, my boat every 10-15 hours or so, and two cars I had, never.

Good luck.

ps - I don't want to get banned debating this. Really - there's a lot more here than the oil issue - it's like politics - nobody is going to change anybody's mind on this subject, even with proof.
I am done looking at oil threads. At least for today.

__________________
Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport

If so, he/she/it should get style points for the appropriate name.

When I was 19 years old, I dated a girl that had no idea she was supposed to get oil changes (hey, she was good in bed!!). Her brand new Buick went 44,000 miles before the engine seized; not bad if you ask me. Changing oil is a ritual for me; I really enjoy doing it. It's a nice way to spend $20 and take up an hour of my time.

Boy, that was transparent.

__________________
1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine