Hi Bro,
Thanks for the upload.

The Centre Zone (of about 8-10 mm diameter on physical sample) is clean, light coloured and transparent indicating minimal or absence of high-density and heavier dirt/contaminants, in particular metallic wear particles.

No sign of emerging darkened aureole zone/ perimeter ring indicating minimal or absence of commencement of agglomeration of insolubles/contaminants.

The diffusion zone is clean, light coloured and transparent representing minimal or absence of light-density contaminants/dirt and soots etc.

There is absence of jagged zig-zag annulus at the outermost edge indicating absence of or insignificant oil oxidation and/or moisture content phenomena within this 5873 km blotter spot indicating anti-oxidation property of HX8 X is still intact.

Absence of translucent halo at the outermost zone seems to indicate absence of fuel dilution problem in this 2009 City.

As always, no indication of coolant contamination within oil sample.

Imho, this HX8 X at 5873 km usage is still in top shape with plenty of residual oil life to extend for further use.

Don't play play with the superb performance of this 'super' high spec'ed HX8 X 5W30 often available at low and cheap price of RM100'ish from supermarkets like Giant from time to time.

Just my 2 sen.

Edit: I'm assuming HX8 X 5W30 from Shell Malaysia and HX8 (without X) 5W30 are both having one and the same oil formulations. CMIIMW.

This post has been edited by zeng: Dec 28 2021, 01:45 PM

Basing on a VOA of HX8 5W30, a sibling of HX8 X 5W30, I would speculate this HX8 X has a multi-functional Moly element of about 35-40 ppm with near negligible Boron.

Both these two additive elements also serves as friction reducing friction modifier.

Now in the below attached VOA of Liqui Moly Ceratec, it has friction reducing element of:
a )Moly at 5419 ppm (parts per million concentration) and
b )Boron at 359 ppm.

Hence, this campur aduk oil blend of yours currently in your City engine has a high propensity and capacity of friction-reducing property (and thicker minimum oil film thickness for components protection).

Try to feel or monitor by your ownself the increased smoothness and increased power torque delivery of the City engine currently, as opposed to the previous HX8 X without Ceratec, if perceptible.



This post has been edited by zeng: Dec 28 2021, 03:22 PM

Mobil 1 New Life 0W40 (Tesco) MB229.5
Oil Life : 17,080 km
12+ months oil life thus far .
ODO :331,093 km in
Car model: Toyota Avanza 1.3L
Engine: K3VE Multi Port Injection
Added some 100 mL of graphited engine oil in Elf Molygraphite 15W50 .
Make up oil added : Yes, about 500 mL (of Shell HX5 15W40) several days before current blotter date.
Oil level seems to drop by about 500 mL.

96 hour blotters,





Comments to follow, next week.

The Centre Zone is slightly darkened though not fully darkened, quite transparent and yellowish indicating presence of high-density and heavy combustion dirt particles like metal wear etc.

Good news is, there is absence of emergent darked aureole zone/perimeter ring (of about 10 mm diameter on real sample) indicating agglomeration of dirt contaminants has not commenced, if present.

Inner annulus of Diffusion Zone is a bit darkened/grey but remains sort of transparent and not opaque indicating quite substantial levels/amounts of light-density combustion by-products like contaminants and soot.

Outer annulus of Diffusion Zone remains quite clean, light coloured and transparent indicating the used oil sample's capacity to receive or absorb further quantities of light-density dirts.

The outermost jagged zigzag edge of the blotter is quite fully darkened indicating presence of moisture and substantial oil oxidation phenomenon.

Translucent halo at the outermost zone is absent indicating absence of fuel dilution phenomenon in the engine and oil sample.

As usual, engine coolant contamination is absent.

Imho, there is no cause of alarm or caution in immediate terms but it may be time to plan and schedule the next oil change with this 17,080 km used oil, before or immediately after coming CNY (falling on 1 Feb 2022).

Happy New Year 2022 and CNY in advance, btw.

This post has been edited by zeng: Jan 5 2022, 05:01 AM

Parallel imports of HX8 and SHU currently at RM99 Giant USJ1.
Both oils carry MB 229.5 approvals.


This post has been edited by zeng: Jan 6 2022, 08:38 PM

Yes bro, RM89 is sometimes offered too. RM99 is not their cheapest.

Oops, didn't realise this HX8 is SL.
Having said that, MB 229.5 approval was obtained by HX8 (according to Bevo site) surely not more than 2 years ago where basic API SN was required.
Prior to securing MB 229.5 approval recently, HX8 5W30 used to have in hand a MB 229.3 approval.
A PDS dated April 2015 attached below indicates HX8 5W30 was already an MB 229.3 with SN then.

 201504_HELIX_HX8_SYNTHETIC_5W_30_SN_A3B4_VW_50200_50500_MB_229.3__.pdf ( 37.83k ) Number of downloads: 21

The SL label we see here is imo, doubtful.

This post has been edited by zeng: Jan 6 2022, 11:10 PM

There is a lowyat query on the rather substantial difference in prices between HX8 5W30 open market (or probably HX8 X for Malaysian market) and Helix Ultra 5W40, should not their oil formulations and quality differ as well?

Please note that we are speaking in the context that all three oil formulations i.e:
1) HX8 5W30,
2) HX8 X 5W30 and
3) SHU 5W40)
are all MB 229.5 approved oils.

First off from my limited research, HX8 and HX8 X 5W30 (MB229.5 and SN) are of similar oil formulations in terms of similar base oil (as both being Shell GTL/XHVI base oils) and similar additive package (and supplier) if I may speculate.

My basis is by looking at their respective Viscosity Indices, Flash Points and Pour Points namely:

HX8* 5W30 VI(163) FP(244°C) and PP (-48°C)

*Note:Basing on HX8 MB229.3 as HX8 MB229.5 PDS somehow not available online.

vs
HX8 X 5W30 VI(177) FP(230°C) and PP (-45°C)


From the above, it appears to me both their base oils quite similar in being Shell GTL (Group 3+) mixing with very little if any, Shell XVHI (Group 3) base oils.

Contrast the above 2 HX8's with:
SHU 5W40 VI(168) FP(242°C) and PP (-45°C),


which I understand it to be 100% GTL (of thicker viscosity vs that of HX8 5W30 base oils) and free from Shell XHVI base oil.

Now, could the two HX8's with MB 229.5 approval contains zero or no XHVI Group 3 base oil, but of thinner viscosity vs that of SHU 5W40 ?

IDK but it is possible if I may speculate.

One thing is certain, 5W30 and 5W40 base oil resultant viscosities are different.

This post has been edited by zeng: Jan 8 2022, 05:50 PM

Thank you bro for uploading this chronology of API Sx specfications launching year (shall link it to Post #1) from:
19xx - API SA
1930 - API SB
...
...
2001 - SL
2004 - SM
2011 - SN
2017*- SN+ and
2020*- SP




Note*: Correct me if I'm wrong.

This post has been edited by zeng: Jan 10 2022, 01:08 PM

Mobil 1 New Life 0W40 (Tesco) MB229.5
Oil Life : 17,834 km
13 months oil life.
ODO :331,847 km in
Car model: Toyota Avanza 1.3L
Engine: K3VE Multi Port Injection
Added some 100 mL of graphited engine oil in Elf Molygraphite 15W50 .
Make up oil added : Yes, about 500 mL (of Shell HX5 15W40) mid December 2021.
Oil level seems to drop by about 500 mL.

72 hour blotters,





Current oil is replaced with another 6+ year old pack Mobil 1 New Life 0W40 (Tesco)

Comments to follow, next week.

Ok, following is my observations and comments:

The centre zone is not blackish or darkish but a bit greyish and not so transparent....
indicating presence of a certain level of heavy or high-density contaminants in the form of metal wear particles which I believe is harmless for now.

There is absence or non-emergence of darkened aureole zone/perimeter ring indicating no agglomeration of dirt particles has commenced.

It also points to detergency and dispersancy properties of used oil is still on top of situations and remains effective.

The diffusion zone is a bit yellowish and generally is not opague indicating a certain levels of light and low-density contaminants and combustion by-products are floating within this 17834 km blotter sample, still with residual life remaining.

The outermost edge of brownish jagged zig-zag indicating the phenomenon of oil oxidation and moisture being present.

There seems to be no sign of translucent halo at the outermost zone pointing to absence of fuel dilution within the used oil.

As usual, there is no signs of water coolant contamination within this M1 0W40 used oil sample.

This oil is replaced in conjunction with valve cover gasket replacement.

This post has been edited by zeng: Jan 19 2022, 01:22 PM

Btw, this time my mechanic took the trouble to caution me on his doubt about the quality or genuineness of my bottle of Mobil 1 New Life 0W40 (Tesco)



Note: This new Tesco 0W40 was 7.5 year old and bottled on 29 July 2014!

He explains that this Mobil 1 New Life 0W40 of mine is very dark brownish/amber in colour , comparing against side by side the very light clear yellowish M1 Advance Full Synthetic 0W40 (supplied by him) shown below:




This post has been edited by zeng: Jan 19 2022, 01:52 PM

Mobil has randomly mentioned shelf life of sealed oil in proper storage conditions (like in shade within warehouse free from direct sunlight) is good for a duration of up to 5 years.

I haven't personally encounter online suggesting sealed oil shelf life of 7 years or 10 as being acceptable or fine either. CMIIMW.

You have a basis in suggesting this 7.5 yo M1 has commenced oxidation before use, and 'this' oxidation may have made my M1 New Life looks brownish/amberish in relation to my mechanic's current stock of M1 Adv Full Synthetic.

However, I had come across a small number of UOAs' (used oil analyses) of oils with shelf life exceeding 7 or 10 years being put into engines' usage/operation at reasonable mileage and all had returned with reasonably good or acceptable metal wear rates in the final analysis.

Hence, pre-use longer term storage 'oxidation' phenomenon...... I'm not worried base on above scenario.

Evidence and facts? I must confess I don't have one off-hand ATM.

You may also wish to take note that both the M1s' above has MB 229.5 - approval (over and above API SN specs) that OEM recommends 30,000 km oil change intervals .....
to which I am not intending to stretch that far.

Incidentally, all my 3-4 previous packs of M1s' in use are probably around the same age as this sample (with several more 4L packs in my store room waiting to be put into use in several years to come) and I'm of the opinion that their blotter spot tests at up to 15-20k kms, thus far, seems to hold up fine in my 'biased' opinion.

Also note the following points in the context of development and production of Toyota/Daihatsu K3 series engine in relation to launch dates of API SJ/SL/SM/SN (of which New Life is one):







This post has been edited by zeng: Jan 20 2022, 11:08 AM

Hi all,

There is total absence of relatively darkened Centre zone (of about 8 mm diameter on physical blotter sample) indicating a rather low level of high density and/or heavy metallic wear particles in this 7780 km blotter spot sample.

No sign of darkened aureole zone or ring (surrounding or encircling the centre zone) is present indicating absence of agglomeration phenomenon of oil contaminants or dirts ..... pointing to tip top detergency and dispersancy capabilities of this HGEO 5W30 SP which are still intact as formulated.

The diffusion zone (surrounding the aureole zone, if any) is generally transparent, light coloured and not quite gray indicating a low levels of low-density or light weight contaminants (such as soot, combustion byproducts etc) leaving plenty of room for the oil sample to receive and absord additional quantities of said contaminants as intended.

Darkened zigzag edges (surrounding the diffusion zone) is absent indicating there is no or undetectable oil oxidation phenomenon and water moisture content within the oil sample.

Absence of translucent halo (surrounding non-existent darkened edges) indicates absence of fuel dilution phenomenon, which is typical in a Honda City engine.

Overall, I would rate this 7780 km HGEO 5W30 SP blotter spot sample as still in top shape and fit for continuing service with plenty of oil life left.

Just my 2 sen.


Edit: I suppose you meant to say the blotter sampling date as 16/05/2022.

This post has been edited by zeng: May 23 2022, 10:09 AM

Thank you for the quite a detailed elaboration of sample taking.

For consistent comparison, I'm looking at the LHS 24 hr hot sample among the six and assume it as 10,000 km sample, CMIIMW.

There is absence of a darkened/blackish Centre Zone (of about 8 mm in physical sample on hand), transparent and not opaque but it is slightly or mildly grayish indicating a very small amount/level of large size/heavy density metallic wear particles.

A darkened aureole zone or perimeter ring encircling the Centre Zone is absent indicating absence of agglomeration phenomenon of combustion by-product particles within the used oil sample.

The Diffusion Zone is generally transparent and not opaque (in particular the outer half of Diffusion Zone) and the inner half is very mildly grayed indicating a very low level of light weight and low density combustion contaminants being spread out within the sample.

There is total absence of darkened or brownish zig-zag edges surrounding the Diffusion Zone indicating there is no signs of cautionary oil oxidation (not saying there is NO oil oxidation phenomenon in this 10k km used oil sample) and water moisture content in this 10k km used oil sample.

Translucent halo surrounding the zigzag edge (absent, for now) and Diffusion Zone points to the absence of fuel dilution phenomenon, as is normally the case with Maibi engines.

Overall, this rojak mixed oil at 10k km is holding up very well and is still in continuing serviceable condition if one so desires.

This rojak or mixed engine oil seems to me to hold up well at 10k km usage, at typical oil change interval by our local OEMs.
So much for engine oil cannot be mixed, in real life at reasonabe oci imo.

This flushing out of stucked contaminants seems to be reflected in the 36 hr cold sample where a darkened (though slight) aureole zone/ perimeter ring can be observed, if one of two samples is at a lowly 4500 km.


Your after market air filter is working normally. From the blotter spot sample here, I don't think there is any abnormal, let alone severe metallic wear and your worry is unfounded imho.
Yes, the 'dark paper marks' are indications of light weight and low density carbon contaminants as a combustion by-products. I believe these contaminants are NOT metallic wear parts, which are supposedly of heavier weight and high density.

Oh sorry I wrongly assumed the blotter spot sample uploaded was at 10,000 km usage.
Anyway, the 'reading' generally applies.



Assuming all 3 brands above claims SN spec, then Shell Ultra 5W30 is top among 3 as it has additional MB 229.5 approval which is good for 30k km oil change interval (esp in Europe) in any gasoline MB cars purchased/produced yesterday.

The bottom among 3 is probably Castrol as this SN is likely without additional claims of ACEA A3B4/A5B5.

The Motul is likely in the middle as it probably has Additional ACEA spec (provided it is not SM spec).

Anyway, brands or base oils are not that important is assessing the quality of formulated engine oils. To me it is the part of meeting performance specifications like MB229.5/ VW504.507 or basic ACEA A3B4/A5B5 that is more relevant.

API SN is only a basic threshhold specification that almost ALL contemporary formulated engine oils in the market meet, and so is mediocre imho.

Note: I'm ignoring SP specs for now to avoid confusions when comparing oil qualities or its standard.



Agree with you that the slightly darkened perimeter ring aka aureole zone being observed at 4500km indicates signs of commencement of agglomeration of combustion byproducts in the used oil. This commencement of agglomeration is attributed to relatively substantial high amount of contaminants, which I believe is released from being stucked in say, piston ring grooves due to the use of carbon cleaner. I don't think the injector cleaner is of any help in dislodging the 'stucked' carbons from piston ring grooves other than cleaning up fuel injector for efficient spray pattern of fuels.




I thought you were talking about air filter only, but never mind.


This post has been edited by zeng: Sep 13 2022, 07:50 AM

Mobil 1 New Life 0W40 (Tesco) MB229.5
Oil Life : 9,940 km
7+ months oil life thus far .
ODO :341,788 km in
Car model: Toyota Avanza 1.3L

48 hour blotters,



Comments to follow, next week.

The Centre Zone (of about 8 mm diameter) is slightly grayed but remains transparent and is not opaque, indicating a certain level of high density/heavy metal wear particles.

The aureole zone/perimeter ring (of about 10 mm diameter size) is not darkened indicating absence of agglomeration of combustion by-products in the blotter sample. It represents the usual capability of used oil to detergent/dispersed contaminants within the used oil sample.

At 9940 km usage, the Diffusion Zone is generally grayed and slightly darkened but not opaque indicating a certain level of light/low density combustion by-products/contaminants. Notice that the outer annulus of the Diffusion Zone remains clear and light coloured but not graying/darkish which appears to be ready to absorb additional amounts of oil contaminants.

Darkened zig-zag outer edge is obvious and clearly seen indicating presence of oil oxidation phenomenon and/or presence of moisture.

Translucent halo is absent on the outermost zone (encircling the zig-zag edge) indicating absence of fuel dilution phenomenon in this 9940 km blotter sample.

As usual, there is no indication of coolant contamination of used oil.

Overall I'm of the opinion this 9940 km used oil is still serviceable and is currently operating at 14,000 km or thereabout.

This post has been edited by zeng: Sep 24 2022, 06:15 PM

Quick answer:
Change, as suggested by e-lite but I would say do it as soon as possible like not more than 1-3 months (2-5K kms) from now.

Will give longer answer later.

Happy Chinese New Year to all folks out there.

Yes, spot 3 best represents your sample.

It's mainly characterized by the dark and thick coloured annulus (of about 8 mm diameter size in your physical sample) - or what I called aureole zone and this is a 'lousy and bad' phenomenon of agglomeration of heavy size/weight metallic wear (mainly a metal wear caused by corrosion ) and combustion contaminants within your oil sample.

This post has been edited by zeng: Feb 10 2024, 02:43 PM

Shell Helix Ultra 5W40 (MB229.5)
Oil Life : 14,184 km
8 months oil life thus far since Sept 2023.
ODO :380,740 km in
Car model: Toyota Avanza 1.3L

Note:
Top up at 12,000 km about 0.8L of mineral Shell Helix 15W40 (Yellow packing, SN) -due to timing cover oil seal leaks.

Samples were taken hot within 5 minutes of engine shut down after a 20-25 minutes drive.

48 hours blotters:

a)With back light


b)With NO back light



The Centre Zone (of about 8 mm diameter) is clear, transparent and not grayed, indicating absence of usually higher level of high density/heavy metal wear particles typically found in a 14K km blotters.

Question: Where has the typical heavy metal wear particles gone or why seems to disappear?

The aureole zone/perimeter ring (of about 10 mm diameter size) is absent and not darkened indicating absence of agglomeration of combustion by-products in the blotter sample.

It represents the usual capability of detergents in a used oil to disperse contaminants within the used oil sample.

At 14,184 km usage, the Diffusion Zone here is not grayed or darkened/opaque indicating an unusually low level of light/low density combustion by-products/contaminants despite its 'high' mileage of 14,184 km.

Please note the outer annulus of the Diffusion Zone (that stays within darkened zig-zag edge) remains clear and light coloured and not graying/darkish - which appears to be ready to absorb additional amounts of oil contaminants in this 14k km used oil sample.

Darkened zig-zag outer edge that is clearly seen here indicating presence of oil oxidation phenomenon and/or presence of moisture.

Translucent halo is obviously present on the outermost zone (encircling the zig-zag edge) indicating presence of fuel dilution phenomenon in this 14,184 km blotter sample.

Note: Daily driving pattern is 11km over 20-25 minutes one way in KV.

As usual, there is no indication of coolant contamination of used oil.

Despite its rather lengthy usage of 14,184 km thus far, imho this used oil (with some 0.8L top up in between) is still serviceable.

Hence I've no intention to get this used oil replaced at 15,000 km interval - strictly basing on the current blotter spot 'performance'.

We'll see how long further can this oil change interval be extended well beyond 15K km without harming the engine.

This post has been edited by zeng: Jun 22 2024, 11:22 AM

@cempedaklife, apologies for the late (and outdated) response, but anyway......
to complete the 'story' I would continue......

The Centre Zone of about 8mm diameter size is very marginally grayed but transparent indicating a very low level of heavy weight/high density metalic wear particles floating in the oil sample.

A slightly darkened aureole zone/ perimeter ring seems to be about to emerge indicating impending agglomeration of contaminants onto internal engine parts - time to do some Italian tune up by revving engine at highway speed to retard agglomeration.

The Diffusion Zone is generally very clean and light coloured/transparent indicating a very very low level of light weight/ low density combustion carboneceous contaminants which is a reflection of clean internal engine condition.

The zig-zag edge is emerging indicating a certain level of moisture and/or oil oxidation.

The translucent halo surrounding the zig-zag edge indicates presence of fuel dilution issue in this sample.

Overall I believe there is still life in this 8100km/8 month oil sample and should be go till say, 12000-14000 km usage.