Black Stone Lab Oil Results

[JonJon68]

Hi everyone, I just changed out my full synthetic high mileage Mobil 1 oil and sent a sample in to Black Stone Labs. There were 5,000 miles on this oil before changing it. I've had a small LIM gasket leak for some time. Everything looks very good, wear metals looked good etc. Bad news is that the potassium measured in at 28. The universal averages is 7. The sodium measured in at 205 and the universal average is at 23. So, with that said, I am getting a minuscule amount of coolant in my oil. However, the engine wear has so far been unaffected. Until I get this gasket replaced I was advised by Blackstone to change the oil sooner than the 5,000 mile mark. My question is how soon would you change out the LIM gasket if this were your car? I feel have some time yet to get everything together etc, etc. Also, my 1997 GPGT 2nd design, n/a, only has one coolant elbow, am I correct? Thanks for your time and any input.

[grandprixgtx00]

the sooner you replace the gasket the better. when the gasket gets worse...it can cause the engine to Hydrolock and cause huge problems.

also, yes...you are correct, your '97 GT has 1 coolant elbow.

[JonJon68]

Thanks, yes, I'm very aware of the hydro lock danger. I'll get this taken care of before it gets any worse.

[tblake]

I think the 2nd design 97 3800's have 2 coolant elbows, not just one. But I could be wrong.

[grandprixgtx00]

Originally Posted by tblake

I think the 2nd design 97 3800's have 2 coolant elbows, not just one. But I could be wrong.

i think what he meant was 3800 Series II which all 97-03 GP's came with. the elbow was not redesigned until late '98

[JonJon68]

No, I do have the series II engine but also I have the 1997 2nd design. There was a first design and 2nd design in the year 97.

[grandprixgtx00]

Originally Posted by JonJon68

No, I do have the series II engine but also I have the 1997 2nd design. There was a first design and 2nd design in the year 97.

hmm...maybe someone can elaborate on this? i guess this is something i was not aware of.

[JonJon68]

Bob would know what I'm referring to. There were two GPGT designs in the year 1997 and according to my VIN, I have the second design which I believe was manufactured in the second half of 1997.

[grandprixgtx00]

Originally Posted by JonJon68

Bob would know what I'm referring to. There were two GPGT designs in the year 1997 and according to my VIN, I have the second design which I believe was manufactured in the second half of 1997.

interesting. i guess i never knew that, my '97 SE is a later '97 design (i believe the sticker on the door says september or august 1997) and has the 3800. mine only had 1 elbow.

Edit: I'd have to look at the door real quick and see the production date. maybe it doesnt say september 1997 cuz technically would be a '98 model i believe.