Oil Analysis

[Yellowlab]

I am interested in doing an oil analysis to see how it is doing, but I have no idea how to go about doing it. When people do this, where are they sending the oil to have it done? Thanks

 

[JPittman]

Call Blackstone Labs in Indiana, 219-744-2380 and they will send at no charge the bottles. The first time I ordered them they sent a 6-pack. They will give a very detailed report. Tell them you are a TDR member, they should still be giving us discounts. You only pay when you send it in.

 

[E7mack96]

no discounts!

They gave me a discount the first time. I send in a LOT of samples ( off the tractors, ect. ) They raised price to 17. 00. I called them on it. They only offer discounts on over 100 samples per month. I thought 10-20 a month was a lot.

 

[danandamy]

a possible easier way

You can get a simple oil analysis kit at NAPA for around $13 to $15 bucks. It comes complete with two bottles (one for a fresh oil sample and one for your used oil sample). Comes with the paperwork and the box to mail them in. If you can't get a NAPA store to get you the part number, let me know and I'll get it for you. They probably won't have it in stock but should be able to have it for you on a next day basis at no extra charge



NAPAdan

 

[almitchell]

I use Blackstone on both my truck and my wife's Grand Cherokee. Their analysis is detailed and they keep recommending I run longer between changes based on the numbers they get from the samples.

 

[Bigsaint]

Blackstone

They get my nod, though I have never tried anyone else. I've sent in a sample for every oil change, since day one. Maybe a bit of overkill, but it's real interesting to see the numbers drop as the engine breaks in. Worth the $17. 00 IMHO.



Scott W.

 

[seafood]

Good Idea

I have twin Detroit diesel 6-71's on my boat and no matter what it costs, an oil analysis is invaluable. It can tell you the different metals in your oil as well as the presence of other liquids, water, coolant, etc... I plan to do it to my new QC in the next week or so.

 

[gmorrison]

You can get oil analyis kits from http://www.avlube.com/ which is where I work. The kits are around $15. Additionally, you get me along with the kit to discuss the results as they can be just a bunch of meaningless numbers without 'the rest of the story'.

Also, it is very important to use the proper procedures in obtaining a representative sample:

1. always change the oil with the engine warm

2. remove the drain plug and allow a quart or so of engine oil to drain out

3. remove the oil analysis bottle top and capture oil from the stream; don't worry about getting oil on the bottle

4. immediately put the top on the bottle to prevent contamination; we are only getting a 4 ounce sample and even the slightest contamination will affect results.

5. do this procedure same way each time and analysis will then be consistent and trendable.

George Morrison, STLE CLS

 

[CumminsPuller]

Response time?

After you send your sample into Blackstone, about how long has it been before you guys have been recieiving your report back?



Jason

 

[DEZLPWR]

DodgeBoy,

Good question...

 

[JPittman]

About 1 week from California.

 

[DEZLPWR]

Huh?

Why does it take 2-3 weeks to get to WA state?

 

[almitchell]

I usually plan on 2 weeks for mine, although I think they will call if they find any kind of problem. Since mine have looked to good, I don't worry about the time lapse.

 

[E7mack96]

blackstone

Blackstone now offers to e-mail the results to you. This will shave the time considerably. You just need to ask for the e-mail option

 

[almitchell]

Thanks for the tip. I like the e-mail option. I will notify them before next sample goes in.

 

[C Schomer]

I use Royal Purple syn lubes and get their kits for $9. 50@. Their lubes are very reasonably priced too! Craig

 

[Deezul1]

Here are several places to check.





http://www.ctclink.com/



http://www.noria.com/



http://www.oaitesting.com/



http://www.pdma.com/sample.htm



http://www.pecuniary.com/synthetics/oilanalysis.html



http://www.blackstone-labs.com/