30K mile JT oil analysis

[heftysmurf]

Just wanted to post my Blackstone oil analysis results. I don't use them for every oil change and haven't with my JT yet, but did on my JK as it got higher in the mileage. There's a ton of discussion on "When do I change my oil?" and I've chimed in a few times. Heck, on my '14 JKU, I remember the service advisor telling me something to the effect that, "Go by what the oil change status says as engineers are paid a lot to develop algorithms that can adjust for use" and it stuck with me because when I had little turbo cars, I was ridiculous -- changing oil ever 3k religiously ALONG WITH PLUGS but then, I was hard on them.

I decided as my bumper-to-bumper warranty was coming close to an end, I wanted to get a baseline during my last oil change. JT had 30,092 miles on it, 5,889 on this last batch of Pennzoil Pure Platinum 0w 20, and oil change indicator was at 28%. This includes driving in South Florida stop-and-go traffic along with (2) 500 mile trips a bit north. Filter was Mopar.

For me, it's a nice calming of the nerves. I read posts on here about people getting warranty work denied, or should I change it now, or but but but...Well, I like data and here it is.

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[Hootbro]

Looks pretty good. My 2020 Gladiator oil analysis at 28K miles showed similar wear using MOPAR 0W-20 which is just Pennzoil Platinum relabeled.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Just wanted to post my Blackstone oil analysis results. I don't use them for every oil change and haven't with my JT yet, but did on my JK as it got higher in the mileage. There's a ton of discussion on "When do I change my oil?" and I've chimed in a few times. Heck, on my '14 JKU, I remember the service advisor telling me something to the effect that, "Go by what the oil change status says as engineers are paid a lot to develop algorithms that can adjust for use" and it stuck with me because when I had little turbo cars, I was ridiculous -- changing oil ever 3k religiously ALONG WITH PLUGS but then, I was hard on them.

I decided as my bumper-to-bumper warranty was coming close to an end, I wanted to get a baseline during my last oil change. JT had 30,092 miles on it, 5,889 on this last batch of Pennzoil Pure Platinum 0w 20, and oil change indicator was at 28%. This includes driving in South Florida stop-and-go traffic along with (2) 500 mile trips a bit north. Filter was Mopar.

For me, it's a nice calming of the nerves. I read posts on here about people getting warranty work denied, or should I change it now, or but but but...Well, I like data and here it is.

I like - that one looks clean.
Not only are your own numbers good compared to your own averages but the numbers are good compared to overall.

 

[mdyucca]

Nice to get a great report! Good idea to get this prior to the end of warranty. Think I will do the same with my JT.

 

[aixguru]

I'll add my back to back 25K and 30K reports. Numbers seems inline with the others.

I submitted the last two oil changes to gain a baseline trend. Concerned about a potential valve train issue developing with my early 2020 build. I don't have the typical tick at idle or at higher RPMs. It's a cold (assume engine) clatter that happens only during acceleration. I have been unable to determine if left or right engine side. In any case the noise is not detectable after about 15 minutes of driving.

I assume excessive cam (or other engine) component wear would be reflected in subsequent reports.

- Jim

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I'll add my back to back 25K and 30K reports. Numbers seems inline with the others.

I submitted the last two oil changes to gain a baseline trend. Concerned about a potential valve train issue developing with my early 2020 build. I don't have the typical tick at idle or at higher RPMs. It's a cold (assume engine) clatter that happens only during acceleration. I have been unable to determine if left or right engine side. In any case the noise is not detectable after about 15 minutes of driving.

I assume excessive cam (or other engine) component wear would be reflected in subsequent reports.

- Jim

Looks clean, IMO. No red flags.
Wear stuff - iron, chrome, aluminum, copper - all real low and those are the wear things I'd be looking for.
Flashpoint really good, no fuel in there so no problem in that way.

 

[heftysmurf]

Good input folks. I just really like the fact that something like this is available for the consumer and is SUPER inexpensive! I've got the Mopar 8/125K extended warranty or service agreement or whatever we're calling it now but I just wanted a baseline to get trends.

Also, trying to get my daughter at least somewhat engaged in her maintenance. It's too late for my wife to convince her to learn but when my kiddo said "my car is falling apart" (bad coil pack on an 01 Jetta) I diagnosed it, bought new coil packs and plugs and gave her tools and said, "Let's get to it"! She was NOT happy...But even if she can do an ounce of prevention...

 

[River2016]

Just wanted to post my Blackstone oil analysis results. I don't use them for every oil change and haven't with my JT yet, but did on my JK as it got higher in the mileage. There's a ton of discussion on "When do I change my oil?" and I've chimed in a few times. Heck, on my '14 JKU, I remember the service advisor telling me something to the effect that, "Go by what the oil change status says as engineers are paid a lot to develop algorithms that can adjust for use" and it stuck with me because when I had little turbo cars, I was ridiculous -- changing oil ever 3k religiously ALONG WITH PLUGS but then, I was hard on them.

I decided as my bumper-to-bumper warranty was coming close to an end, I wanted to get a baseline during my last oil change. JT had 30,092 miles on it, 5,889 on this last batch of Pennzoil Pure Platinum 0w 20, and oil change indicator was at 28%. This includes driving in South Florida stop-and-go traffic along with (2) 500 mile trips a bit north. Filter was Mopar.

For me, it's a nice calming of the nerves. I read posts on here about people getting warranty work denied, or should I change it now, or but but but...Well, I like data and here it is.

Those numbers are almost identical to mine when I had it tested at 65k and I got a RIPP sc. in my mind that says the pentastar is not as terrible as some like to make it out to but. Imo it points to its durability

 

[heftysmurf]

Those numbers are almost identical to mine when I had it tested at 65k and I got a RIPP sc. in my mind that says the pentastar is not as terrible as some like to make it out to but. Imo it points to its durability

I don't think the Pentastar is terrible. Too weak for a Jeep, maybe! In my 14 JKU, I had the drivers side head replaced for noisy lifters but other than that, it lasted well into 100K mile territory. I think the amount of these engines on the road is a statement of longevity. Besides, you've got two types of people on forums: those who are enthusiasts and those who complain (rightfully or not).

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I think part of the issues is like what that one law suit shows about people - they lump ALL of the 3.6 engines together. That suit says that Jeep didn't fix a problem that they've had since 2011 or whatever year they claimed, then the lumped the 2020 Gladiator in there. Uh, two different engines. Both the 3.6, but the upgrade has very different intake valve train, very different oil pump, thermostat, bearings and so on. They aren't the same engine so the intake rockers that failed in the 2014 engine aren't the same ones that failed on the 2020 JT engine.
Still - some believe hey, it's a 3.6 in a Jeep - all the same.
They point out head issues on an early 3.6 and how bad that was - forgetting that it was quickly resolved and the heads today are different than those of the early 3.6 (by multiple revisions) so to this day some still say "watch out for the 3.6 heads, they have valve seat problems."
No, they don't.
They watch some click bait crap on youtube who presents himself as a Pentastar expert claiming this and that - but does anyone look at the date on that video? 5 years ago. Not the same engine in the Wrangler.
This is today, this is the PUG 3.6, they are quite different in many respects. And yet - percentage-wise, even the first versions were quite good.
Knock on wood - we've had several 3.6 engines in various Jeeps - mostly Grand Cherokee dating back to the first ones and we've yet to have an engine problem. Any issue as been something outside or aside from the engine proper (spark plugs in 2021 - not an engine problem, PCM flash - more of a tune issue, that sort of thing.)

 

[heftysmurf]

They watch some click bait crap on youtube who presents himself as a Pentastar expert claiming this and that - but does anyone look at the date on that video? 5 years ago. Not the same engine in the Wrangler.

Reminiscent of the Facebook ads I get for ear plugs from the military! :P

 

[River2016]

I think part of the issues is like what that one law suit shows about people - they lump ALL of the 3.6 engines together. That suit says that Jeep didn't fix a problem that they've had since 2011 or whatever year they claimed, then the lumped the 2020 Gladiator in there. Uh, two different engines. Both the 3.6, but the upgrade has very different intake valve train, very different oil pump, thermostat, bearings and so on. They aren't the same engine so the intake rockers that failed in the 2014 engine aren't the same ones that failed on the 2020 JT engine.
Still - some believe hey, it's a 3.6 in a Jeep - all the same.
They point out head issues on an early 3.6 and how bad that was - forgetting that it was quickly resolved and the heads today are different than those of the early 3.6 (by multiple revisions) so to this day some still say "watch out for the 3.6 heads, they have valve seat problems."
No, they don't.
They watch some click bait crap on youtube who presents himself as a Pentastar expert claiming this and that - but does anyone look at the date on that video? 5 years ago. Not the same engine in the Wrangler.
This is today, this is the PUG 3.6, they are quite different in many respects. And yet - percentage-wise, even the first versions were quite good.
Knock on wood - we've had several 3.6 engines in various Jeeps - mostly Grand Cherokee dating back to the first ones and we've yet to have an engine problem. Any issue as been something outside or aside from the engine proper (spark plugs in 2021 - not an engine problem, PCM flash - more of a tune issue, that sort of thing.)

this is my second one. I have not had an issue myself as well.

 

[Nuclear_Inc]

Here’s my two oil samples. I only change oil once a year 10-12k miles. I’ve had great results with amsoil signature 0w20 and filter. I wouldn’t hesitate to run this oil 15-18k miles with a filter change in the middle.

 

[Hootbro]

Here’s my two oil samples. I only change oil once a year 10-12k miles. I’ve had great results with amsoil signature 0w20 and filter. I wouldn’t hesitate to run this oil 15-18k miles with a filter change in the middle.

From a data standpoint, I would not argue against an extend drain interval. From a warranty standpoint, I would not exceed the 1 year or 10K mile max limit they state in the owners manual. That gives them one less niggle to keep from honoring any warranty claim on the engine should it arise.

Also, the Pentastar is not a "Direct Injection" engine.

 

[Maximus Gladius]

I would also second what @Hootbro said. I’ve seen engine warranties denied for going over the manufacturer recommended change interval. But…if you’re the risky type and want to see how far you can go before the lab tells you it’s time to change, look at the Base # D4789 column. Your first oil change number shows 4.45 and then the number drops to 3.23 for your extended second oil change….if you do the math estimation on that you can go roughly 1000-1500 more miles. Do not let that base # drop below 2.5, that’s your cut off point. That’s the acid test and the base additives to keep the acids from building up. 2.5 and the additives abilities to keep the acids at bay are done.

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