The highest recommendation for Blackstone Labs. Been using them for decades.
They also taught me that annual oil changes are definitely overkill and certainly not beneficial to the environment OR the pocketbook!
For example, I went 6 years and 256 hours between oil changes and they told me this:
“After six years and 256.4 hours of use, this oil is still in good condition. The viscosity is in the
10W/40 range, right where it should be, and the 5.8 TBN shows that the oil has a good amount of active
additive left. The higher flashpoint shows no measurable fuel dilution, and there’s no contamination from
coolant, water, or excess dirt. Engine wear looks good too. Sure, some metals are higher than last time, but
maybe that’s because the oil was run longer. These levels look fine for the hours on the oil. Based on these
results a 275-hour oil run should be fine.”
From a garage owner for 32 years whose father was a mechanic and whose sons are currently – I’ve never met an engine mechanic that would agree with that premise. All things considered, shops with real mechanics do not make money changing oil. Quick change places do because of labor costs. When the quick change places started out years ago, we were a little concerned. Then we realized that they didn’t know what they were doing and we wound up doing more serious repairs due to inadequate knowledge on their part.
Joe Valinoti
S/V iL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA
Those who run their own diesel engines for a living , like over-the-road truckers, heavy equipment operators,l fishing trawlers, etc, and pay out of their own pockets know the value of science-based maintenance & fluid replacement schedules. And follow them religiously.
And the type of use matters. Those who use their engines only 3 to 4 minutes to get away from the dock, turn them off to sail and then 3 to 4 minutes to get back in ARE putting a lot of wear, tear and condensation on their engines, which can lead to acid build up. No question an annual oil change might make sense. Others who run their engines for hours to get down a channel or motor often with little wind put much less load on their oil and engines and can go much much longer between changes.
The beauty is a full Oil Analysis with TBN gives everyone the right answer each and every time.