Oil Analysis Companies

[Mark.Smith]

Hey all,



I think I'm going to change over to synthetic oil and before I change oil, I want to get an oil analysis done for a baseline. What companies are out there and how often do y'all get an analysis done?

 

[Hercules130]

Genos sells a kit. i am getting ready to send my sample off

 

[Buffalo]

Mark Smith,



I've been using Caterpillar's oil testing facilities, here in the Phoenix area. Costs about $18. 00/test.



In "MY OPINION, ONLY", you will get the biggest bang for your buck, using synthetic, if you do A LOT of driving, such as in towing commercially, etc. In that case, synthetics, in conjunction with bypass oil filtration, will allow you to safely extend your oil drain intervals. Severly cold conditions would be a good reason, also.



If you are still under warranty, you will have to change the oil at 15,000 mile intervals just to maintain the warranty, no matter what oil you use.



I've called Chevron & Schaeffer's Oil Co. & talked to their engineers. Both said to change the oil, annually, no matter how many miles are on the oil. That's probably a good idea if you do not use a bypass filter.



If you are not driving an extraordinary number of miles, per year, you may be better off just using a good conventional oil, such as Delo, Rotella, etc. , & change it more frequently.



I've run Delo to 9626 miles & the analysis came back indicating the oil was still in good shape. That oil change interval was just less than one year.



Keep in mind that there is the "warm, fuzzy feeling" you get by just using a better quality oil for your engine. That has 'value', also. Other than your wallet, you won't hurt anything by using a synthetic.



I remember reading on BITOG (bob is the oil guy.com) that Chevron Delo-400, 15X40, CI-4+, with the addition of Moly & Boron, was getting pretty close to the quality of a fully synthetic oil. Basically, quality conventional oils are pretty darned good & strong. You can't go wrong using them, either.



My reason for using UOA's (used oil analysis) was to be able to SAFELY extend oil drain intervals. Usually changed oil at 5000 mile intervals & had been reading that, due to the better quality oils, that schedule was somewhat premature. I did my first one at 7900 miles & the analysis came back good. Did the next one at 8300 miles & it came back good, also. The last one was at 9626 mile, with good results, also.



Good Luck.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[JHardwick]

Hey all,



I think I'm going to change over to synthetic oil and before I change oil, I want to get an oil analysis done for a baseline. What companies are out there and how often do y'all get an analysis done?

I could be wrong, but a baseline with conventional oil won't mean much if you switch to synthetic will it?

 

[AKaiser]

I could be wrong, but a baseline with conventional oil won't mean much if you switch to synthetic will it?

My understanding of a baseline is the fresh oil is sampled for comparison, to create an oil "timeline" so to speak. What he's doing would best be described as a "background" sample. I'm sure there's some utility for comparison of the conventional oil to the synthetic, but wouldn't know how to interpret it.

 

[GaryOwen]

Blackstone Labs of Fort Wayne, IN will send you a sampling kit and you pay as you send them in. Don't recall cost, but should be on their website. I think they give a couple of dollars discount if you mention you are a TDR member. They seem to be very knowledgable. I have extended oil change intervals from 6k to 8k to 10k miles so far. All samples have been good and showed I could extend intervals further. Probably need to send another sample in, but have been sort of content with 10k mile changes.



Gary

 

[Whiskey]

Amsoil, does oil sampling.



whiskey

 

[AKaiser]

Amsoil, does oil sampling.



whiskey

Thru Oil Analysers http://www.oaitesting.com/