High FE counts on OM642 (2012)
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 110
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From: Northen California
2012 e350 bluetec
High FE counts on OM642 (2012)
I've noticed a trend in posts containing concerns about higher than normal FE counts in oil analyses. I'm wondering if we have a generic issue with oil meeting MB specs (I use 229.51 5w40) or if there is an engine design issue.
Perhaps it's a normal wear pattern in these engines. I'd like to hear some feedback, particularly from Glyn regarding the oils we use vs engine wear rates.
Here's my data from four different oil analyses. The first two used M1 ESP Formula M (5w40, 229.51) and the second two used Motul 8100 X-Clean (5w40, 229.51). Also, the first two analyses were from ALS Labs and the last two were from Blackstone. Blackstone footnoted the high FE on my last report and said it was 4x the universal average wear rate but could be "normal" for my engine.
1. Unit Mi=6059, Oil Mi=6059 FE=157 ppm
2. Unit Mi=11740, Oil Mi=5681 FE=118 ppm
3. Unit Mi=28547, Oil Mi=6828 FE=84 ppm
4. Unit Mi=34107, Oil Mi=5560 FE=68 ppm
Do we have inherent issues with these engines, like valve train wear, or could it be the oils we use? Wear rates seem too high to me. All the other oil parameters were normal. And yes, I realize the numbers are coming down but still higher than I would expect after 34K miles on the engine.
Any thoughts?
Perhaps it's a normal wear pattern in these engines. I'd like to hear some feedback, particularly from Glyn regarding the oils we use vs engine wear rates.
Here's my data from four different oil analyses. The first two used M1 ESP Formula M (5w40, 229.51) and the second two used Motul 8100 X-Clean (5w40, 229.51). Also, the first two analyses were from ALS Labs and the last two were from Blackstone. Blackstone footnoted the high FE on my last report and said it was 4x the universal average wear rate but could be "normal" for my engine.
1. Unit Mi=6059, Oil Mi=6059 FE=157 ppm
2. Unit Mi=11740, Oil Mi=5681 FE=118 ppm
3. Unit Mi=28547, Oil Mi=6828 FE=84 ppm
4. Unit Mi=34107, Oil Mi=5560 FE=68 ppm
Do we have inherent issues with these engines, like valve train wear, or could it be the oils we use? Wear rates seem too high to me. All the other oil parameters were normal. And yes, I realize the numbers are coming down but still higher than I would expect after 34K miles on the engine.
Any thoughts?
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2023 GLK250, 1987 560SL
I haven't had any problem with high iron in mine. But yours confirms another trend - M1 always shows higher iron.
My engine has over 120,000kms on it.
I used Blackstone but then switched Oil Analyzers Inc for convenience and quicker turn around. I did a duplicate test with each, to make sure their numbers were comparable, which they were.
I would say that at 34,000 miles, you're just coming out of your break-in period, so watch to see numbers trend down further. None of those numbers are staggering, and 68 is pretty close to the universal average per Blackstone.
You can check out my oil analysis thread to see my results.
My engine has over 120,000kms on it.
I used Blackstone but then switched Oil Analyzers Inc for convenience and quicker turn around. I did a duplicate test with each, to make sure their numbers were comparable, which they were.
I would say that at 34,000 miles, you're just coming out of your break-in period, so watch to see numbers trend down further. None of those numbers are staggering, and 68 is pretty close to the universal average per Blackstone.
You can check out my oil analysis thread to see my results.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 110
Likes: 10
From: Northen California
2012 e350 bluetec
Thanks. Marc. I read your posts about M1 oil but wasn't too concerned about the FE counts on my first two oil analyses since it was clearly during the break-in period. I follow a Porsche technical blog and many there, including some of the engine builders, are also skeptical about M1 oil. Mostly concerns about oil usage issues and early additive breakdown. Bottom line is that's why I switched to Motul. Per Blackstone my Universal Average is 46 so I'm still about 50% above that at this time. I'll keep an eye on my FE counts for sure. Perhaps MB uses very close tolerances and it takes a while for complete break-in.
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
I had high iron with M1 on Ford Powerstroke engines, so here goes your MB theory
Like in other thread I concluded at the time, I am trying to avoid Mobil1 as far as I can and use Castrol in gasoline engines, but was forced to use M1 in 642 as Shell Helix, what would be good competition turn out too far and too expensive.
I am closing on 3000 miles since oil change and like marc, I am planning to send sample to blackstone.
Previous oil test did not come too well, regardless records of being only 4-5000 miles, but I don't have receipts from PO what oil dealer used.
Like in other thread I concluded at the time, I am trying to avoid Mobil1 as far as I can and use Castrol in gasoline engines, but was forced to use M1 in 642 as Shell Helix, what would be good competition turn out too far and too expensive.
I am closing on 3000 miles since oil change and like marc, I am planning to send sample to blackstone.
Previous oil test did not come too well, regardless records of being only 4-5000 miles, but I don't have receipts from PO what oil dealer used.
