Oil Analysis

[bignick33]

Hello, New member here in Ohio. I have a 1998. 5 Dodge Cummins, Quad Cab, long bed with 63,000 miles on it. I was just wondering where i can get a oil analysis done on my engine oil. I am always hearing people talking about it, but never hear where and why they get it done. Why is it done and where can i get it done?

 

[TomGolden]

Howdy and welcome to the TDR #ad


There are several oil analysis places to use. The one I use is BlackStone Labs. They charge $16 per sample and it usually takes about 2 - 3 weeks from the date you send in the sample until you get a report. Costs $1. 43 postage to send them the sample.

Enjoy!

Tom


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Get outta the way: The Cummins is Cummin'!

Tom Golden
Godzilla: Patriot Blue 2001 2500 SLT QC 4X4 LWB ETH/DEE, Tow & Camper packages, 3. 54 Ltd. Slip, 4 wheel disc ABS, Isspro EGT/boost gauges, black SmittyBilt nerf bars, TDR decal, Jack antenna ball
2001 Zinc Yellow SVT Mustang Cobra on order
NRA Life/CRPA/El Dorado #26 F. &A. M. of California

 

[amsoilman]

Bignick33,
I have used several oil analysis labs in the last 15 or so years, and I am currently uising one called, "Oil Analyzers Inc. " You can reach them at 1-715-395-0222. They give a complete oil analysis for $13. 75 including the postage and the bottle. It takes about 1 week to get the results back if everything is normal. If something looks very bad, they will contact you immediately by phone or fax.

Wayne

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94'SLT 4X4 AT/White in color. Factory Tow Hooks & Running Boards. Amsoil By-Pass filter, Amsoil Air cleaner,and all fluids are Amsoil. Optima "Red Top" batteries.
BD exhaust Brake, BD Torque Lock, BD Torque Converter, Dr. Performance Stage II Injection Pump. Mag-Hytec Diff Cover,Mag-Hytec Transmission Pan, Isspro Pyro, Boost,Oil temp Gauges mounted in 3 Gauge post mount. One gauge monitors Engine Oil, Trans, Diff. Temps.
Wayne Owen

 

[HC]

Why is it done and where can i get it done?

Someone else covered "where", so I'll take "why".

Why? Because we're information junkies. #ad


But seriously, oil analysis often gives you a better, more scientific basis for making some decisions related to your truck. The number 1 reason is to try to catch some little problems before they become major problems. For example, antifreeze leaking past a gasket, or a leaking fuel injector, might be picked up by oil analysis. Another recent poster was wondering why his oil had high iron; he was using a top quality synthetic so the result was unexpected. Further study and input from another board member revealed the oil he was using was not really the right one for the Cummins diesel. Folks have tracked down leaks where dirty air was bypassing their air filter as a result of oil analysis. Others who are extending oil change intervals use oil analysis to verify the oil is still good to go for another 5,000 miles. The list goes on.

Is oil analysis right for you? Depends on a lot of factors. If your truck is "stock", you normally change your oil at the book-recommended intervals or less, are careful to use the properly rated oils, and normally trade you rig in before it hits 200k, then it is probably not worth the extra money. The more modified your truck, and the longer you plan to keep it, then the more likely it is that oil analysis is something you should consider.