How much oil burn is normal?

[JasonK]

idk, at least half my hours are full throttle barefooting.

[nyryan2001]

The Benefits of an Oil Analysis

Why it's important to give your engine a routine physical.

By John Page Williams

For humans, a blood test is part of a routine physical. Likewise, testing fluids in a marine engine tells plenty about its condition. With a century’s experience lubricating billions of internal combustion engines, petroleum engineers have developed sophisticated oil blends that protect engine parts, pick up materials that wear off, and keep them in suspension. These blends neutralize acids that form and cleanse internal surfaces. Modern engine oils adjust viscosity according to engine temperature.

In time, the load of worn materials begins affecting the oil’s lubricating capability. Combustion byproducts slide past piston rings under pressure generated as cylinders fire. This “blow-by” carries unburned fuel, especially if the engine is operating inefficiently. Then it’s time for an oil change, a transfusion of fresh “body fluid.”

It’s also a chance to test the old “blood,” to see what materials and how much the oil is carrying. When the engine is new and tuned correctly, the test should show low wear levels and no blow-by, but early and routine tests establish a baseline for tracking the engine’s condition over its useful life, just as routine stress tests do for humans. When something changes, those tests catch it before it becomes critical, saving time and premature failure.

How Oil Gets Tested
Testing labs have made oil analysis inexpensive and quick, with 24- to 48-hour email turnaround. For metal elements, they use inductively coupled plasma (ICP), in which oil is vaporized and sent through a spectrophotometer to measure the concentration at each light wavelength (color). The lab correlates those light levels with the amount of each metal present in the sample. The results summary includes a chart of “wear metals,” whose presence indicates they have worn off their components and are contaminants, as well as other factors. The report comments on what the results mean and recommends the most appropriate interval for future oil changes.

Taking Oil Samples
Analyzing an oil sample costs about $30 (including shipping). That’s a technology bargain. The next time you order an oil change, ask for analysis. Most service techs have specific labs they work with. If you change your own oil, the process is easy. Get a sampling kit with instructions and follow them.

Be sure to share the results with the shop that services your engine. The value of oil sampling lies in how the numbers change over time. Oil analysis is a cheap way of ensuring a happy engine that enjoys a long service life.

Oil Analysis Resources
We have used the following sources of oil analysis and have been satisfied with the service. This list is by no means complete, and your local marina likely has an oil analysis firm that it works with if you need further recommendations.

Polaris Labs
877-808-3750
polarislabs.com

Blackstone Labs
260-744-2380
blackstone-labs.com/marine

SeaKits Inc.
800-262-8464
westmarine.com

[WoodyBC]

For the most part, the guys in this thread who are saying they burn oil are pushing a ton of weight and the guys who are saying they don't have direct drive ski sleds. correlation?

Correct. We don't wakeboard, or surf, and have no ballast. Only slalom 32-36 and barefoot 38-42mph. The only real load we put on our boat is the initial take-off with up to 6 skiers or 3 footers. After that its just rpms!

[SurfgateBob]

Another update. Finally got 10 hours on the new engine yesterday and was able to take it to wide open throttle. Performance is definitely better with this engine. I was at 44 MPH at about 5200 RPM with the 1235 prop and two guys in the boat. My old engine could not get above 5000 RPM. FWIW, my dealer said the compression was down a little bit on my old motor. Overall, seems like the new engine is working great.

[Fman]

This season new oil change and 16 hours on clock, been monitoring it and have not noticed any oil consumption. We have been running 3000+ ballast for surfing, factory MLS for wakeboarding. Engine is Monsoon 350.