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It appears that all modern engine oil change recommendations are too conservative for almost all owners. I'm probably in the middle of all NC owners: I do enjoy accelerating from stop, but I only do it when it gains me such as getting me the front dog view, and only moderately 90% of the time (some passes require more). Other than that, I try to limit my speed to 65 and keep a steady speed. So neither the best owner nor the worst one.Thanks for sharing! I suspected the oil could safely go longer than Honda’s recommended interval.
I sent this quote verbatim to Blackstone for response. Here is their reply:Thanks for posting the report. You have WAY too much fuel in that oil. Blackstone doesn't measure fuel content, they 'extrapolate' it from the flash point, and they don't do a very good job. Your viscosity is WAY out of grade, and a significant part of the reason is all the fuel in there. Your actual fuel content is probably double what they're reporting to you. Change it, and do NOT extend your drain interval.
I had heard that Blackstone doesn't actually do the analysis and doesn't actually possess analytical knowledge and now I know for sure. He doesn't probably know what viscosity would be of concern, only that it's "pretty low". Pretty low compared to what? Honda's reference point or the anonymous expert's reference point? Nor does the paid expert tell him that the oil sampled is no longer certified for gasoline engine use.I sent this quote verbatim to Blackstone for response. Here is their reply:
A couple points I'd clarify.
On fuel: We use the flashpoint temperature to arrive at a rough estimate of how much fuel is present (the more fuel you've got, the lower the flashpoint will be). This sample had a flashpoint low enough to indicate fuel, but not the 2.0% or more we deem cautionary. You can get less than 2.0% just from normal use or the engine not being fully warm at the time of sampling.
True, the viscosity was pretty low for the grade, but that is only due in part to fuel. These engines will normally lower the viscosity and it's not uncommon whatsoever to find a viscosity similar to yours, with no fuel being present.
When it comes to extending the oil change interval, it's key to not just look at the oil's physical properties. Engine wear matters a lot, and your Honda is wearing very well compared to what averages show as typical. Given that, neither the viscosity nor the mild fuel dilution look worrisome on our end. If any other questions come up, feel free to give us a call.
Since I actually paid oil experts for their recommendations, I'm inclined to take their advice.
I had heard that Blackstone doesn't actually do the analysis and doesn't actually possess analytical knowledge and now I know for sure. He doesn't probably know what viscosity would be of concern, only that it's "pretty low". Pretty low compared to what? Honda's reference point or the anonymous expert's reference point? Nor does the paid expert tell him that the oil sampled is no longer certified for gasoline engine use.
Honda's oil experts give a recommendation as well. It's free.
I didn't know I had a choice. Only Blackstone was recommended in this thread, and I see their name come up often on forums but have never seen negative comments.Blackstone’s commentary seems to be one of the main reasons people are willing to pay their prices, which are very high for the testing you get. It is unfortunate that said commentary is often useless or even plain wrong. They are well known in internet consumer circles. Industrial users are generally not impressed by their price-performance balance. I use LabOne for most of my fleet and facility. I’ve used another lab for a stationary generator some, too. LabOne is local to me and they do good work. Polaris labs does a good job, too. Dyson Analysis will cost you quite a bit more, but that analysis is actually useful in terms of commentary.
You pays your money and you takes your choice.
Food for thought: on the old NC700 service manual, the stated interval for oil filter change is 8000 miles. On my newer 2018 NC750X user manual, the interval is increased to 16000 miles, or every 2 oil change.
Honda found out that it's not necessary to replace the oil and filter so frequently? Given their conservative nature, I reckon they would have done their research and homework.
That's interesting, thanks. Perhaps my bias against paper filters long term is misguided.Food for thought: on the old NC700 service manual, the stated interval for oil filter change is 8000 miles. On my newer 2018 NC750X user manual, the interval is increased to 16000 miles, or every 2 oil change.
Honda found out that it's not necessary to replace the oil and filter so frequently? Given their conservative nature, I reckon they would have done their research and homework.
Just so this random opinion doesn't dissuade any readers against Blackstone, I've recently run across independent articles of visitors to Blackstone who got a tour. They get 200 to 400 samples a day, test and analyze them in house.I had heard that Blackstone doesn't actually do the analysis and doesn't actually possess analytical knowledge and now I know for sure.