I don't know if anyon is interested in my results on my oil analysis or not, but I'm kind of anal retentive when it comes to oil issues. I have been a motorcycle engine guy for quite a few years and I follow the mantra of quick, methodic break-in (The manual suggested break-in of 600 miles is just a liability issue with them I believe) and frequest oil changes from 0 to 200 miles. Now, the 3.0L MerCruiser I have now is my first I/O and I'm not well versed on many things, but I know this engine is nothing different than some other internal combustion engine and the internal workings of the engine are rough from it's castings. Well, I figured 5 hours on the boat is sufficiant time to get that break-in oil out of there. Let me stop here and state that I am not suggesting putting in your favorite brand of "best oil in the world". The oil was replace with Mercury 25W-40. I sent the sample off to Blackstome and below is the information they provided me. I just wanted to put this out there for eveyone to use however they see fit, but a few people with brand new engines might consider changing the oil before the 20 hour break-in service interval. <br /><br />Comments from Blackstone:<br /><br />You did a good thing taking this oil out of service early. The high metels are from the lower end and they are higher than we typically find during wear-in. The reason may be the silicon, since some of it is probably abrasive dirt contamination. Factories where engines are made are not pristine environments, and we often find far too much abrasive debris in factory oils. For that reason, getting the first oil out of service early makes a difference in engine life. You can expect a sincere improvement in the next sample. No gas, moisture or anti-freeze found.<br /><br />The elements they they warned about are highlighted. <br /><br />Element: Sample amount: Universal Avg:<br /><br />Aluminum 3 3<br />Chromium 1 1<br />IRON 45 21<br />COPPER 18 4<br />LEAD 22 2<br />TIN 4 1<br />Molybdenium 15 32<br />Nickel 0 0<br />Manganese 6 0<br />Silver 0 0<br />Titanium 0 0<br />Potassium 0 1<br />Boron 56 46<br />SILICON 97 11<br />Sodium 8 57<br />Calcium 241 2322<br />Magnesium 1402 244<br />Phosphorus 1240 912<br />Zinc 1387 1083<br />Barium 0 0
