When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Blackstone oil analysis is back. The oil sample was taken with the engine warmed up for 15 minutes and I drove a block around the neighborhood. There is 1.3% oil dilution which reduces oil viscosity a bit. I do mostly local driving, stop&go, short trips and long Idle. The oil was probably overfilled at factory. Yes, I know how to take reading on oil dipstick. There is no way the oil residuals or incorrect reading.
I feel much better now. Although I had 1700+ miles on OD at the time motor oil was changed it is equivalent to engine with 5000+ Miles.
As an aircraft owner I have regular oil analysis done all the time. It's always best to have a series of them done to study trends. Your first one will serve as a "baseline" and subsequent ones will give you a good "trending" picture. I suggest you do at least two more....maybe one in another 2,500 miles and one at another 5,000 miles.
As an aircraft owner I have regular oil analysis done all the time. It's always best to have a series of them done to study trends. Your first one will serve as a "baseline" and subsequent ones will give you a good "trending" picture. I suggest you do at least two more....maybe one in another 2,500 miles and one at another 5,000 miles.
Thanks for the suggestions.
That is what I am planning to do. I ordered two oil analysis kits from Blackstone on hand and ready to send them in at the next oil change. I change my oil every 6 months regardless of mileage. The next oil change will be right around Fall 2019 (October to November). I get all my car maintenance done before winter. I would consider my driving condition “severe”.
Is there a difference between different vendors for oil analysis? I thought someone in another thread perhaps suggested additional vendors outside of Blackstone if specifically looking for oil dilution? Not sure what the different oil analysis vendors are as well as pros/cons of each....
It won't let me edit, here is the thread I was referring to where it's mentioned Blackstone may not be the best bet for accurate reading on fuel dilution of oil as they use an estimated value which isn't accurate
Where online do you order test kits? What does Horizon/Polaris charge for an oil analysis and the test kit?
Unfortunately, you have to contact Horizon to create an online account, and then you can order your kits. Other bummer is they are only sold in pre-paid packs of 10 for $150+. But...that gets you 10 test that are paid in full, so it's not that bad. Most of us don't need 10 though.
New guy here. A couple of thoughts on this issue. The reason those in cold climates see it more is two fold. A richer mix until the engine gets to operating temp and more blow-by on a cold engine. The longer it takes the engine to reach operating temp the more blow-by will occur. If you drive short distances and the engine doesn't run for very long at operating temp, the fuel that accumulates in the oil does not evaporate and the level rises over time. I would guess those in warm climates or those who have a longer commute are the ones who do not have the issue.
New guy here. A couple of thoughts on this issue. The reason those in cold climates see it more is two fold. A richer mix until the engine gets to operating temp and more blow-by on a cold engine. The longer it takes the engine to reach operating temp the more blow-by will occur. If you drive short distances and the engine doesn't run for very long at operating temp, the fuel that accumulates in the oil does not evaporate and the level rises over time. I would guess those in warm climates or those who have a longer commute are the ones who do not have the issue.
Succinct rational assessment of the issue, possibly with some grounding in fact and knowledge of the subject? Is that allowed?
Funny how this thread goes quiet when the weather warms up all over North America. And then in the fall its will heat up again . I hope by the fall I don't have this piece of junk. Gas/ oil dilution , glitch infotainment system, now new rear read differential assembly. cars been in the dealership more then we have it. at least they gave us a new MDX as a loaner not sure when we get it back . what happened to Acura ?
Funny how this thread goes quiet when the weather warms up all over North America. And then in the fall its will heat up again . I hope by the fall I don't have this piece of junk. Gas/ oil dilution , glitch infotainment system, now new rear read differential assembly. cars been in the dealership more then we have it. at least they gave us a new MDX as a loaner not sure when we get it back . what happened to Acura ?
Just awaiting my oil sample test results. Still same oil in the car from the cold months here. Should have results back any time now...
Hoping to see the results of the oil analysis before I pull the trigger on an RDX.
Although I live in a warm climate so not sure if it would be an issue here.
Thanks for providing the info on the test.
Hoping to see the results of the oil analysis before I pull the trigger on an RDX.
Although I live in a warm climate so not sure if it would be an issue here.
Thanks for providing the info on the test.
Warm climates do not appear to be impacted based on all that I have read and heard. I live in FL and have had zero oil dilution. My dipstick level remained constant and I checked it every 1K miles from 1K to 7K and had it changed at 7500 to Pennzoil Platinum. I would not be concerned with this at all.
It appears to be impacted by cold climates where the engine has not been given enough time to adequately warm up to proper operating temperature or short commutes.
Warm climates do not appear to be impacted based on all that I have read and heard. I live in FL and have had zero oil dilution. My dipstick level remained constant and I checked it every 1K miles from 1K to 7K and had it changed at 7500 to Pennzoil Platinum. I would not be concerned with this at all.
It appears to be impacted by cold climates where the engine has not been given enough time to adequately warm up to proper operating temperature or short commutes.
That's good to know. That's what I had heard, but it is nice to have it verified.
Thanks for doing that!
It's official. I got my oil analysis back this morning and fuel dilution came back at "critical" level. Edit: The report comments actually referred to it as "SEVERE" levels.
100% agree with you @dukeh62 . However, with that being said, wouldn't you like to live in the SE? I would be very upset as well if I had this issue. No excuses in todays day and age of technology!
Our plan all along was to keep this until the Spring of 2021 and then get my wife the sports car she wants. We replace our vehicles every 2-3 years...carbuyingitis...terrible disease with no cure
It's official. I got my oil analysis back this morning and fuel dilution came back at "critical" level. Edit: The report comments actually referred to it as "SEVERE" levels.
I'm sending over the requested additional info today to get final results on the lubricant properties, but the fuel dilution results are cut and dry here.
The granularity of the reported value may be a limitation of the detection method. GC probably refers to gas chromatography, which is a common method for analytical separation of hydrocarbons. But if the instrument is tuned to be sensitive to low levels, it may "saturate" and be unable to accurately determine high levels of a particular component.
OTOH the solution to the fuel dilution problem is obvious: frequent road trips to a warm climate during winter. Good cure for seasonal affective disorder ( daylight starvation ) as well, so it's good for man and machine. Now we just need to get it past the boss.
Good morning. Long time lurker, first post. My wife has declared that she wants a new RDX. I have been following this forum very closely for the past year and I'm well aware of the reported issues. I'm mainly concerned about the fuel dilution issue. My wife's commute is short (5.8 miles) and we live in the northeast so we deal with cold climate every year. My question to the forum (especially those that live in cold climates with short commutes) is do you have a fuel dilution issue as well? Given the RDX sales for third generation, either there are only a few that have the issue or more have the problem but don't even know it. I got to be honest, this issue is keeping me from pulling the trigger on a purchase. I would love to get other's input on this issue and whether or not it would stop you from making a purchase. Thanks in advance - RDXVT.
Good morning. Long time lurker, first post. My wife has declared that she wants a new RDX. I have been following this forum very closely for the past year and I'm well aware of the reported issues. I'm mainly concerned about the fuel dilution issue. My wife's commute is short (5.8 miles) and we live in the northeast so we deal with cold climate every year. My question to the forum (especially those that live in cold climates with short commutes) is do you have a fuel dilution issue as well? Given the RDX sales for third generation, either there are only a few that have the issue or more have the problem but don't even know it. I got to be honest, this issue is keeping me from pulling the trigger on a purchase. I would love to get other's input on this issue and whether or not it would stop you from making a purchase. Thanks in advance - RDXVT.
@RDXVT Scroll up and read my oil analysis report. I live in the northeast and have the same commute as your wife.
@RDXVT Scroll up and read my oil analysis report. I live in the northeast and have the same commute as your wife.
I read your report (as well as all the others). I guess my question is that do only certain RDX's have fuel dilution issues or do they all have the problem and other's just don't know they have a problem.
I read your report (as well as all the others). I guess my question is that do only certain RDX's have fuel dilution issues or do they all have the problem and other's just don't know they have a problem.
From what I've gathered strictly from reading feedback from others, it's intermittent between vehicles...which makes me fear a fix is less likely, and/or will be dragged out much longer. Acura's Tech Line is telling dealers they haven't heard of the issue, even though it's been reported by multiple people. How many, we do not know.
From what I've gathered strictly from reading feedback from others, it's intermittent between vehicles...which makes me fear a fix is less likely, and/or will be dragged out much longer. Acura's Tech Line is telling dealers they haven't heard of the issue, even though it's been reported by multiple people. How many, we do not know.
If Acura is denying the issue exists at all, it is very unlikely that they have put a fix into place.
I have a feeling we're going to be hearing a lot more about this.
From what I've gathered strictly from reading feedback from others, it's intermittent between vehicles...which makes me fear a fix is less likely, and/or will be dragged out much longer. Acura's Tech Line is telling dealers they haven't heard of the issue, even though it's been reported by multiple people. How many, we do not know.
Hmmm, from my reading, I recall literally 100% of the owners located in a northern state AND with a short commute, as having the oil dilution issue. Can you point me to some posts for such folks who have not experienced the issue?
Hmmm, from my reading, I recall literally 100% of the owners located in a northern state AND with a short commute, as having the oil dilution issue. Can you point me to some posts for such folks who have not experienced the issue?
Wish I knew the geographical location of everyone who has chimed in, but I don't. I did, however, post a poll in the 3rd Gen RDX Facebook group a few months ago asking if others noticed a fuel odor when checking their oil. Of the 26 people that responded, I was the only one who said yes. Again, I don't know where the other 25 are located, or if perhaps they never actually noticed the issue.
From my reading, and as I believe you were implying, cold weather and short trips seem to be a perfect storm for this. Of course, the car should be designed to handle this.
Not that I wish this issue on others, but the more widespread it is, the more hope we have for a fix.
I was told today that my oil analysis report has been forwarded to the engineer team by the district manager. For whatever that is worth...but at least this puts the issue in front of their faces.
I see you're in New Hampshire. Are you experiencing this, too?
Well, yes and no. I'm following this thread because my wife's last two cars were both Direct Injection (VW GTI and Mazda3 GT), and depending upon the time of year what the type of driving she's been doing, both have had UOAs come back with some dilution. That said, neither has had an issue as bad as the RDX, but I'm following none-the-less.
Well, yes and no. I'm following this thread because my wife's last two cars were both Direct Injection (VW GTI and Mazda3 GT), and depending upon the time of year what the type of driving she's been doing, both have had UOAs come back with some dilution. That said, neither has had an issue as bad as the RDX, but I'm following none-the-less.
I’ve been checking my oil dipstick weekly since March. The oil level hasn’t changed at all. The fuel dilution has disappeared for me due to warmer weather. Engine warm up quicker and stay warm longer now. The OD is a little over 3k miles. Oil was changed around 1700 miles. The overfilled was probably at the factory. I plan to send in oil analysis at my second oil change now that I had a baseline established. There has been post/rumors regarding Blackstone unreliable in their oil analysis. I will use them regardless. I don’t need a forum post or the Internet to deter me. They seems reliable to me.
I’ve been checking my oil dipstick weekly since March. The oil level hasn’t changed at all. The fuel dilution has disappeared for me due to warmer weather. Engine warm up quicker and stay warm longer now. The OD is a little over 3k miles. Oil was changed around 1700 miles. The overfilled was probably at the factory. I plan to send in oil analysis at my second oil change now that I had a baseline established. There has been post/rumors regarding Blackstone unreliable in their oil analysis. I will use them regardless. I don’t need a forum post or the Internet to deter me. They seems reliable to me.
I've been using Blackstone for fifteen years or so and their results were consistent when things were good, and when there was a call-out (coolant in my oil), they were spot on for that as well.
I am in GA, so not sure if there is a risk that my RDX develops this issue, but I do run a lot of short trips.
How many miles is a short trip?
Also, I checked the oil in the RDX and there is no gasoline smell. The car now has 400 miles on it.
But, one thing I did notice is that it's very hard to get a good reading on the dipstick.
After wiping the dipstick and then reinserting, the dipstick has oil scattered all over the dipstick, including well above and below the orange "min and max" area.
Not easy to get an accurate reading.
Do you guys notice this?
@Lend27 ...yes, the dipstick design is terrible on this vehicle. As far as miles for a short trip, that is anything where the vehicle does not get fully up to operating temps...could be 5 miles and could be 15...tough to say really. If the coolant temp is where it should be (and we had an oil temp gauge showing actual readout of say 200 degrees F), then that is really your best guesstimate.
ACURA'S STANCE ON OIL DILUTION ISSUE AS OF 6-5-19:
Two weeks ago my dealer passed along my oil dilution report (which showed "SEVERE LEVELS" of fuel in the oil) to the district service manager, who then passed it along to Acura engineers. I just received word that Acura deems this a normal occurrence with direct injection engines, and no fix is available.
Is there is fix for this issue? I am considering 2019 RDX - new to Acura world.
As of 6-5-19 Acura's official stance is there is no fix and they deem it normal behavior. I heard it straight from them yesterday. That's after the engineers reviewed my oil analysis report showing SEVERE fuel levels.
There's no certainty if you will/will not experience the same, but If you live in a cold climate and/or have short commutes, I would advise you to proceed with caution.
As of 6-5-19 Acura's official stance is there is no fix and they deem it normal behavior. I heard it straight from them yesterday. That's after the engineers reviewed my oil analysis report showing SEVERE fuel levels.
There's no certainty if you will/will not experience the same, but If you live in a cold climate and/or have short commutes, I would advise you to proceed with caution.
Thanks for the update. I don't know how cold, cold is. I do get to see 20-30s for a few weeks and ultimate lowest could be like 10-15 over night etc. I do not have a garage and it will be parked outside.
04-12-2019, 06:19 PM
