Oil analysis results - boron level query
Discussion
After finding out that Miller Oils conduct oil sample analysis for thirty quid I thought it would be wise to get one done on my e46 M3 as the old girl has 155k miles under her belt and according to the internets should have worn through the bottom end at least twice by now,
The results have come back as a big green tick with copper levels showing 18ppm with Miller giving a figure of 75ppm as cause for concern on that score but what did raise my eyebrows is the figure for Boron at 256ppm, my mind immediately leaping to coolant in the oil and head gasket failure although the low silicon levels would counter that.
Before I arrange a compression test does anyone have any comparable figures for Castrol Edge TWS Boron content?
The results have come back as a big green tick with copper levels showing 18ppm with Miller giving a figure of 75ppm as cause for concern on that score but what did raise my eyebrows is the figure for Boron at 256ppm, my mind immediately leaping to coolant in the oil and head gasket failure although the low silicon levels would counter that.
Before I arrange a compression test does anyone have any comparable figures for Castrol Edge TWS Boron content?
Edited by HerrSchnell on Friday 28th July 09:35
ds666 said:
What did the guys that did the analysis say about the Boron levels ?
I called them after posting and they think that anything below 300ppm is usually oil additive and that with the low silicon level it's most likely just that so looks like it's a clean bill of health all round 
Interesting that nobody else seems to have had it done, I thought I was late to the party with it but apparently not. For thirty quid the peace of mind alone is well worth it let alone the potential for spotting serious trouble before pricy things go bang.
I did it with relatively fresh oil, 4000 miles on it, taken from the filter housing which isn't the ideal but is still a good indicator.
Doing it at the same time as an oil change and taking the sample from the drained oil is apparently the best way so I'd say your plan is the better one.
I used Miller Oils and service was good, hope yours turns out OK!
Doing it at the same time as an oil change and taking the sample from the drained oil is apparently the best way so I'd say your plan is the better one.
I used Miller Oils and service was good, hope yours turns out OK!
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