Oil Analyzers Test Kit
The first thing you'll need to do is purchase an Oil Analyzers Kit, which is available three basic ways for gasoline-powered Mustangs.
| KIT01 with pre-paid USPS postage |
$24.99 |
| KIT02 (KIT401 in Canada) with UPS pre-paid |
$25.75 (Higher in Canada) |
| KIT06 (KIT 402 in Canada) with non postage paid |
$17.95 (Higher in Canada) |
There's also a coolant test kit available (KIT09 US and KIT403 in Canada) for a good look at your Mustang's coolant properties.
Lifters are typically made...
Lifters are typically made of machined tool steel. As they wear, they leave trace amounts of iron particles in the oil.
Gasoline in the oil: Reduces the oil's lubricity. Unacceptable amounts of gasoline from a poorly tuned carburetor or faulty fuel injection system wash oil off cylinder walls and hinder lubrication.
Viscosity or oil density: Indicates a lubricant's ability to flow based on temperature and oxidation. Oil gets thicker when cold and with oxidation.
Engine failure can occur when...
Engine failure can occur when we don't know what's going on in the oil. In this case, timing chain and oil pump shaft failure happened when metal trash was ingested into the oil pump, causing the pump to seize. It was a chain reaction causing the cam to lock up and snap the timing chain.
Causes oil to turn into a thick, brown substance, which hurts lubricity. Will cause engine damage if not corrected. Antifreeze in the oil raises sodium content in the oil.
Oil oxidation: A measure of contaminants in the oil, such as gum and varnish from fuel and excessive heat. When the engine overheats, it will cause excessive oxidation in the oil. Blow-by from worn piston rings and excessive piston-to-cylinder wall clearances also causes oxidation.
Whenever you build an engine,...
Whenever you build an engine, even dead stock, install a magnet at the oil pump pick-up. This captures stray metal particles that can do engine damage. It will not, however, capture aluminum and other non-magnetic particles.
Shows acid reducing capacity of the oil.
Total Solids: Shows ash, carbon, and lead salts from gasoline and oil oxidation.
It is important for Oil Analyzers...
It is important for Oil Analyzers to know what kind of engine you have. Iron block versus aluminum block with steel cylinder sleeves is a good example. Iron cylinder walls will yield different results than steel sleeves.
Detects coolant levels in the oil due to an internal coolant leak.
Silicon Levels: Indicates sand or dirt in the oil, which comes from poor air filtration or inadequate crankcase ventilation. If you live in a dry, dusty desert environment, don't be surprised if silicon levels are high.
Oil analysis is a tattle tale...
Oil analysis is a tattle tale for neglect. When oil hasn't been changed in regular intervals, oil analysis tells all, which is good information to have if you're considering a Mustang purchase.
High amount indicates excessive piston and ring blow-by from wear.
Lead Content: High levels come from the use of leaded gasoline or octane enhancers. Some unhealthy engine wear patterns will yield high levels of lead.
Newer engines, such as the...
Newer engines, such as the 4.6L SOHC and DOHC V-8 found in '96-'10 Mustangs, consist of different kinds of metals than we find in the old classics. For example, these engines don't use tri-metal main and rod bearings. They use aluminum bearings to save weight, improve oil control, and tolerate tighter clearances. Also, 4.6 timing chain tensioners consist of nylon, which will show up in oil analysis when wear is excessive.
Many sources, including crankshaft, connecting rods, cylinder walls, main bearing caps, cylinder sleeves (where equipped), camshafts, timing sprockets, and more.
Copper Levels: Abnormal wear in bearings, bushings, valveguides, and shims. If you find excessive amounts of copper, you have abnormal engine wear.
This is the Oil Analyzer report...
This is the Oil Analyzer report you will receive from your Mustang's oil sample. This is from a '98 4.6L SOHC V-8 with 191,000 miles. Sodium levels (6) indicate some coolant in the oil. High nitrate levels (20) demonstrate this engine's high mileage because there's a lot of blow-by due to worn pistons and rings. Ironically, overall numbers are normal in the "1" range.
Indicates wear patterns with aluminum engine components, like piston skirts and ring grooves, bearings, thrust bushings, timing sprockets, and oil pumps.
Chromium Levels: Mainly from chrome moly piston rings or certain types of oil additives. Chromium also comes from airborne particles ingested via air cleaner or crankcase ventilation.
Boron Levels: Oil additive found in engine oil or an oil additive.
Other Metals, such as Calcium, Magnesium, Barium, Zinc, and Phosphorous: Also found in engine oil and additives. These metallic additives are normal and no cause for alarm unless levels are extremely high.