Oil Analysis options?

[GECCO]

Hey all, at my last change I switched over to synthetic (18k miles) and added a 2 micron bypass. I want to get an analysis done to see how things are going but don't know where to go.



Advice?



Thanks!!

 

[Schlickenmeyer]

Well I get mine done thru Polaris labs. Comes with the "monitor" label from the local cummins dealer. It all looks to be fleetguard and cummins. Pay $20.

The local cummins shop has a machine, but I hear it is best to use a "wet lab".

more things are tested for.

Also just ran a test sample thru PDMA. nice folks, results are not too different than the comparision from the same oil.

There are likely several other good labs as well. .



Good luck!

 

[big barney]

Another option is blackstone labs. www.blackstone-labs.com

 

[Buffalo]

I use Empire Machinery, a local Caterpillar distributor here in the Phoenix area. They have a testing lab at the main store & satellite stores around the area. You can buy a testing kit, from them, for about $17. 00, drop it off at your nearest satellite store & they have a truck that picks up & drops off supplies & oil samples, on a daily basis.



If you have a local Caterpillar dealer, you may try them.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[05mxdiesel]

I use blackstone exclusively even though they are a little salty, but I would reccomend a local cat dealer for quick and easy results.

 

[Jack in Alaska]

It is Blackstone for me. They have been great to deal with.



Their recommendation was that I increase my oil change interval which essentially cuts down on their testing and oil changes which has saved me considerable cash.

A company that recommends that I not use them as often can not be bad IMHO.

 

[GECCO]

Thanks!!



Jack, what type of intervals did they recommend for you?

 

[DieselFiend]

GECCO, I use blackstone also. They recommended 9,000 miles for me.

 

[kbond]

Wow... is it necessary to have extra filtration or can a guy with just the stock filter setup send in samples and go off the labs recommendation? I’ve always been so curious on those extra filter setups but didn’t know if those are really needed in order to run longer intervals on oil changes.

 

[GECCO]

kbond - having or not having a bypass filter doesn't have any bearing on whether or not you can/should use the analysis services, but I imagine it will have an effect on what the analysis shows is going on with your oil.



Personally, I think the bypass is relatively cheap insurance and if it extends oil change intervals it will eventually pay for itself (especially if you are using synthetic).



My $. 02

 

[Buffalo]

In my opinion, bypass filtration along with a high quality synthetic motor oil will provide the greatest benefit to those who do a lot of driving, such as those that tow travel trailers, cross-country, for a living.



This combination will, safely, allow extended oil drain intervals, making that kind of driving more convenient. Driving 100,000 to 150,000 miles a year would require an oil change every couple of weeks, without extended oil drain intervals.



The other day, I was talking with a neighbor with an '02. He's been running Valvoline synthetic & a Fleetguard filter & is changing oil at 17,000 miles. He uses an oil testing kit purchased at NAPA for $13. 00. Seems like a long drain interval but, he says the tests come back OK.



Joe F. (Buffalo)