Engine Oil analysis

[Wayne M.]

I believe the best way to deal with the CJ oil uncertainty is to start analyzing. Those who do it, would you please tell us about the labs used, the cost, the turn around time and other lessons learned. Has anyone done fuel or coolant analyzing?



Thanks!

 

[steved]

I believe the best way to deal with the CJ oil uncertainty is to start analyzing. Those who do it, would you please tell us about the labs used, the cost, the turn around time and other lessons learned. Has anyone done fuel or coolant analyzing?



Thanks!

Blackstone Labs (You can google them).

They will ship sample containers to you (free).

$22. 50 (I think) plus $10 for TBN.

TAT is practically the day they receive the sample.



You receive the results via email, followed up with a hardcopy of the results in the mail.



steved

 

[Wayne M.]

Steved, Blackstone was the top hit when I used google. I was considering going to Cat, but that means actually going there- maybe twice.



One other question, how are we obtaining the sample? During the oil drain? suction pump? etc...



I remember, years ago I was working on a fleet of boats (Cat diesels) and with the oil pans not too accessible, and no other way to obtain, we had to take samples. One of the bright lights I was with decided to tip the oil filter into the bottle and send it in because it was easy. The result was not good. We wound up disconnecting a small oil line and cranking.

 

[steved]

One other question, how are we obtaining the sample? During the oil drain? suction pump? etc...

Collecting my sample is quite easy since I have a bypass filter returning oil to the oil filler cap...



I believe they recommend sample collection during the draining process, part way through the drain to ensure a good sample.



steved

 

[AKaiser]

Using suction pump and about 5 foot hose. had to buy extra hose, as the one that came with is about 3 inches too short. It's 14 cents/foot, so whooptee doo. Buy a new hose each draw, which is recommended anyway.

 

[Wayne M.]

Using suction pump and about 5 foot hose. had to buy extra hose, as the one that came with is about 3 inches too short. It's 14 cents/foot, so whooptee doo. Buy a new hose each draw, which is recommended anyway.

Is there any worry about picking up junk or moisture by putting the sample tube down the dipstick tube? Do you have the suction pump that the bottle screws onto and the tube goes in thru the top?

 

[AKaiser]

Yes, I do. I wouldn't think there would be, but you can always stick it and withdraw to verify no FOD (foreign object damage).



Another trick I learned from medics. When you draw a vaccine from the bottle, ALWAYS blow out the first bit, so you get the air out (don't want a pulmonary embolism. ) A guy could blow out any water/crud with some sort of air pump prior to hooking up to the suction pump.

 

[CDonaldson]

Genos sells kits, that's where I get mine, very inexpensive. I do a sample with every oil change, diff change, transmission change, xfer case, etc. Since I do my own maintenance, I am still saving money over the stealership AND also getting good information and an outside record of the work I perform. I just catch in the drain stream, easy as anthing else except a tap on the bypass filter. If I was having any injector problems and beginning to have fuel seepage into the crankcase, the oil testing would give plenty of advanced notice. Also, if I had any fuel system problems I plan on taking a sample of my fuel before going to the dealership. Too many claims of contamination causing a warranty denial, I'll have the proof in hand with sampling results, that should clear anything that could be used as an excuse by the dealership and also expedite correct repairs.



CD

 

[JRussell3176]

Genos sells kits, that's where I get mine, very inexpensive.

But why pay for them when Blackstone sends as many as you want for free? You can't beat the same day turn-around either.

 

[AKaiser]

Amen to that! Heck, Blackstone sent me 2 extra for some reason.

 

[roperteacher]

Me too, I sent blackstone an E-mail as they forgot to send me a new bottle on my last sample. I told them how nice it was to get a same day turn around on the analysis and they sent me 6 new containers! So I am good for a while! LOLOL And yes, for free!

 

[AABEN]

My son has the first dodge Diesel that came out in 1989 he has over 600. 000miles on it . It has had only 15/40 valvoline oil that is what thr dealership told him to use. Also told him to use only howles lubricator for winter and summer. He had is injectors redone at 500. 000 miles thay only replaced the tips. pump passed all test that cummins could run on it. I have an 03 standred shift. It has had only valvoline oil 15/40 and howles lubricator. why change when it works verry good O by the way he pulled a 40ft campre the first 10years . He works on power plants all over. I travle from nov 1st to april 10. we go out to TX AZ NM CAL OK MO IL AR NV for the winter





BEN MICHEL PRINCETON IN 47670 CELL 812-779-7715

 

[Wayne M.]

Thanks, Guys. Looks like I'm contacting Blackstone.

 

[CROW]

Appears to be a lot of interest in the issue of oil changeover from CI-4 Plus to CJ. Local Cummins dealer had only CJ this week. Wonder if the folks who manage this site could set up a separate forum, even if it were temporary, for those who have oil analysis done to post pre and post changeover analysis. Would keep it in one location and not spread out in this or another forum. I personally have never had an oil analysis done, but the changeover may cause me to have a couple done. Just a thought.

 

[Wayne M.]

Appears to be a lot of interest in the issue of oil changeover from CI-4 Plus to CJ. Local Cummins dealer had only CJ this week. Wonder if the folks who manage this site could set up a separate forum, even if it were temporary, for those who have oil analysis done to post pre and post changeover analysis. Would keep it in one location and not spread out in this or another forum. I personally have never had an oil analysis done, but the changeover may cause me to have a couple done. Just a thought.

I think this is a great idea. A whole forum might be a bit much, but how about one of those "stickies", a thumbtack that keeps the topic at the top of an existing forum? Maybe put this sticky in the GENERAL DIESEL forum because it effects everyone except the 6. 7 owners. Who knows, if the oil is that bad, maybe they should sample too!

 

[Wayne M.]

I just ordered a kit from Blackstone. It's nice that you don't have to prepay. There is a discount if you buy a 6 pack of sample bottles and do prepay.

 

[Mikie12]

Just as an aside; I'm still able to get the Mopar 15-40 CI-4+ from my dealer parts guy. He says that there are no plans yet to end the CI-4+ availability, and he gives me a discount on it every time I buy a case of it.

M.

Part #'s

case of Qts: 04798231AD

4 Gal. jugs : 04798232AE

 

[AABEN]

You can by the ci-4plus ci=4 ch 4 cf 4 cf/sl It is called premiun blue classic. Ronnie at valvoline said I could find it at Napa Auto Zone Advance O'Reillys & Pep Boys part # from valvoline is 592862 If you can get them to order it. I have Auto Zone looking for me!Ronnie said Napa was there largest out let.

 

[Wayne M.]

You can by the ci-4plus ci=4 ch 4 cf 4 cf/sl It is called premiun blue classic. Ronnie at valvoline said I could find it at Napa Auto Zone Advance O'Reillys & Pep Boys part # from valvoline is 592862 If you can get them to order it. I have Auto Zone looking for me!Ronnie said Napa was there largest out let.

I blacklisted myself at the autozone store near me this spring. I had them order me a case of synchromesh trans oil with the promise that I would have it a certain day (about a week lead time) because I was leaving on a 2000 mile road trip, and I wanted to drop that oil. Well the day before I had to leave came, and there was no oil ready for me. The worst part of this was that it was in a shipment that was in the building, but they wouldn't tear down the pallett for me. I even had to fight with the manager to get my card refunded. That was the second or third time they screwed up an order for me, so I have sworn off Advance Auto parts!

 

[AKaiser]

I blacklisted myself at the autozone store near me this spring. ... so I have sworn off Advance Auto parts!

So, which is it?