Blackstone Engine Oil Analysis

Anyone learn anything worthwhile doing an engine oil analysis? Curious whether my oil changing routine needs to be better tailored to my driving habits. My 2020 ORP with 60k miles does double duty handling trips and daily driving. It’s a workhorse and probably does more city driving than I’d like so wondering if a 5k oil change interval is sufficient. The plan is to keep the truck and lessen its workload to trips only once I get a more suitable town car like a used Prius. Blackstone’s standard test is just $35.

 

I’m a nerd for metrics and also feared sudden bottom-end death so I got it done on my previous car maybe three times?

It’s neat seeing what data comes out of it from wear metals to fuel dilution and they’ll give you a recommendation on oil change interval if you request it on the form.

But of course if that’s worth $35 - that’s up to you. Could be worth every penny next time an oil change interval thread shows up.

I haven’t been rushing to do it on my 4Runner but curiosity will probably get me as the miles pile on.

 

I wouldn’t worry about it. Just change your oil every 5,000 to 10,000 miles and enjoy.

 

Absolutely no need for a crackstone crabs test. 5K mile changes and enjoy.

 

I have never seen a bad oil analysis report on any 4Runner forum. A Blackstone analysis costs the same as a DYI oil and filter change. Just change your oil every 5,000 miles and don’t worry about it.

 

I agree.

unless you are high mileage/suspecting an issue, you’re just going to get a yappy response saying next time try going to 12,000 miles on the oil and send us another sample!

 

The owners manual also say 5K oil changes for short city trips & off pavement runs.
I too wouldn't worry about 4Runner and do engine oil analysis if you are the original owner and followed correct maintenance not limited to engine oil changes.

If I had a Tundra, LX600 or even Toyota Sequoia , Lexus GX550 with the questionable reliability 3.4TT engine I would do engine oil analysis to see if there is any debris.

 

I wouldn't worry about the 4.0L in our 5th gens. Just change your oil frequently.
I am doing a VOA on these 3 oils to pick up the better one for the 3.4 in my GX550. Report will come on Tuesday, will share it here.

 

Engine oil analysis is a diagnostic tool that you can use for a specific purpose. For example, if you starting to hear "funny noises" during cold startup and want to know if this is a sign of bottom end going, then oil analysis can be very helpful. You can also look for early head gasket failures by looking for signs of coolant. You can also look for transitions (e.g., when is break-in finished, is my oil change interval too long).

If there is nothing wrong and you are not looking for something specific, then you don't need to do oil analysis. Just use the money to change engine oil earlier.

 

I have not looked into 3.4 used in GX550. Do you know if it is dual direct and port injection? The reason I am asking is that with DI-only engines the primary consideration is reducing intake carbon buildup. For that purpose, I had very good results with Castrol Edge Professional.

Fortunately, for 4Runner V6 naturally aspirated port injected engine there are no such considerations. Any oil that meets the spec will do and with this engine I would recommend prioritizing shorter change intervals with cheaper oil over trying to optimize oil performance with more expensive oil.

 

Wish i had the time to worry about such shit..... If i did, id be out in the mountains more or something.

 

Yes, this has Toyota D4S. 6 direct injectors + 6 port injectors. Gx550 has the exact same engine as LX600. Only the tune is detunes to run lower hp. If you go down to a Toyota dealership and look at a Tundra hybrid you can have a good look. If very interesting how things look German like including the 3 radiators very visible on Tundra.

 

I too am a bit of a dork for analytics. Just to satisfy my own curiosity and burn $35 of that holiday bonus I’ll send a sample in to Blackstone my upcoming oil change for ish and giggles. I’m also curious to know how the additives in Toyota’s oil differs from the Mobil 1 AFE I’ve been using so I’ll switch to Toyota the next interval. About to get full Walter White on these oil changes.

 

How many times are you going to post that photo of bottles of oil? What’s the point?

 

If you do a blackstone oil analysis it will just show it's good for another 15,000mi and confuse you more. Just stick with the ~5k oil changes.