Volvo RWD 200 Forum

INDEX FOR 10/2025(CURRENT) INDEX FOR 1/2021 200 INDEX

[<<]  [>>]


THREADED THREADED EXPANDED FLAT PRINT ALL
MESSAGES IN THIS THREAD




  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

Oil analysis questions 200

Hello everyone.
I recently sent out an oil sample to Blackstone labs for analysis. I had used Castrol GTX 10w-30 for that oil change. I ran it for 5000 miles on a Bosch filter. They sent me the results and it seems that the levels of copper and lead are considered high in comparison to their ''average''. They said that means it could be showing some bearing wear.
My question is if any of you out there with a fuel injected 2.3 have had this analysis done. If so what were your levels of copper and lead?

Btw the engine currently has 195k.

Thank you.
--
Teach a man to fish and he will never go hungry. Teach a man to rob a bank, he will never go fishing again.








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

    Knowing which engine would help .... 200

    You didn't say what engine you have. Writing "...a fuel injected 2.3..." is vague, as it could be either a B23F (ca '83 or '84) or a B230F (ca '86-'93). Only the lower mileage (i.e., 195K) hints at the latter, but it's not definitive.

    Most versions of the former, the B23, is robust, with good bearings, and lives long. The latter, the B230, was redesigned to improve gas mileage by reducing internal friction, which generally means reducing bearing area (although in its final year, the B230-L engine for '93 has oil squirters to keep the pistons cooler, nice if you drive it hard).

    However, in either case these engines are generally long-lived, and (based on the incidence of posts on this forum) we rarely if ever hear of bearing problems as a source of engine failure -- even piston rings seem to last a long time, and cylinder walls often are described (by someone tearing down the engine) as still showing original cross-hatching. Even oil pumps are rarely mentioned. If you're a new 240 owner, I'd suggest worrying about other more likely engine issues, such as cooling system corrosion, water pump failure, head-gasket failure, rear valve cover plug failure (if a B230), etc. That should keep your paranoia better focused on more likely possibilities.

    Of course, I'm assuming that you haven't actually encountered any symptoms that prompted you to do an oil analysis, such as tons of grit in the drained sump oil.

    Enjoy the car.








    •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

      Knowing which engine would help .... 200

      Sorry I thought I had mentioned the year. Its a 93. I had the oil analysis done because I had recently bought the vehicle and just want a baseline so to speak on the engine. The only problem I have had so far was the blower motor, other than that nothing major. Thanks for your comment.
      --
      Teach a man to fish and he will never go hungry. Teach a man to rob a bank, he will never go fishing again.








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

    Oil analysis questions 200

    By any chance was the Bosch filter one of those that put more additives into the oil?

    A so called extra mileage filter! I have wondered just what they can put in there to time release dissolve!

    The word "average" concerns me as most places that analyze their oil are those that have fleets. Most of the time they are fleets are trucks!
    Trucks routinely run gallons of oil at one time and their not all diesels either. Your sample was of three to four quarts if you added any during that time.

    If you are thinking they are really on to something do an oil pressure check or a volume check.
    You might have a restriction to the pump or those rod clearance are more loose than they should be.

    If the oil pressure is within limits, I would do as the other poster suggested, just drive it!

    Phil








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

    Oil analysis questions 200

    I wouldn't sweat it, they have to tell you something. Does engine run well, is compression good? There is always gonna be some Cu, PB, Fe, etc in the oil, your engine is wearing out, but probably not for another 100 kmiles (assumes regular oil changes and good maintenance). Mike







<< < > >>



©Jarrod Stenberg 1997-2022. All material except where indicated.


All participants agree to these terms.

Brickboard.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by AB Volvo, Volvo Car Corporation, Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. or Ford Motor Company. Brickboard.com is a Volvo owner/enthusiast site, similar to a club, and does not intend to pose as an official Volvo site. The official Volvo site can be found here.