Oil change analysis???

[Sregorb]

I keep hearing about several people doing an oil analysis after an oil change... ... but I haven't heard HOW they are doing it. Is there a kit? Where is it sent to? How much is sent? How much $$? etc etc. I just don't recall ever running across the info lurking, but then again I may have selective blindness (to go with the hearing).

I'm due for my first change and want to see if there is any benefit to performing this check.



Brian

 

[Bigsaint]

Brian, it's worth the cost, IMHO. I use Blackstone Labs http://www.blackstone-labs.com/free_test_kit.html . Cost from Blackstone is $18. 50.



I try to get a sample 'mid stream', meaning that I crack open the drain plug and guess when about 1/2 of the oil is out, then place the container under the flow and fill same. Bottom line is that you don't want the oil at the begining of the drain and you don't want the oil at the end of the drain. I'm sure there's a more scientific approach, but it works for me.



Scott W.

 

[andrewkoperdak]

Sregorb,

I got my from AMSOIL. They have a web page. Amsoil doesn't do the analysis but they do sell a kit that includes shipping to the lab. I just had mine analized and after 6000 miles on the oil it was as good as new. I would never have guessed that it would have been in as good condition as it was.

Originally posted by Sregorb

I keep hearing about several people doing an oil analysis after an oil change... ... but I haven't heard HOW they are doing it. Is there a kit? Where is it sent to? How much is sent? How much $$? etc etc. I just don't recall ever running across the info lurking, but then again I may have selective blindness (to go with the hearing).

I'm due for my first change and want to see if there is any benefit to performing this check.



Brian

 

[amsoilman]

When you take an oil sample there are things you can do to make the sample representative of your oil. If a sample does not represent the true condition of the lubricant and component at the time of sampling, the reliability of both the test results and the interpetation is effected.



1)Make sure the oil is hot (at operating temperature) when you take the sample.



2)Get the sample from the same place at each sampling.



3)If you use the drain plug to get the sample from, make sure the area around the plug is very clean before the plug is removed. In the case of the Cummins engine, the plug can just be loosened, and oil will start to drain.



4) If drain plug is your choice, do as Bigsaint said, allow some oil to flow before catching the oil for the sample.



I think the best place to sample oil is from the "Dip-Stick", as there is much less of a chance for contaminants to be picked up there. This can be done using a plastic tube and a syringe.



Amsoil Inc. does sell a sampling kit for $14. 00 including postage. The stock # is:G-1451. They also have a sampling pump including 10 ft. of tubing for $24. 50 Stock # is:G-1206. This allows a sample to be taken from the dip-stick.



The actual oil analysis is performed by "Oil Analyzers Inc. "



Wayne

amsoilman

 

[LSMITH]

I am getting the kit from my local Cummins shop. The kit is a bottle, labels and data sheet, and a bigger bottle to ship it in. It is $14. 50 postage paid and includes TBN. I sample at the drain just like Bigsaint said. I send it out to the Cummins shop about 3 hours from here and it is tested there. Takes about 2 weeks to get the analysis back.

 

[PAYCHECK]

Almost any diesel (certified) dealer or repair shop can do it. I have mine done here in town by CAT, they have the lab here in the shop it is certified by the CAT co. and it costs 11. 00$. It takes them 2 days, i can pick up the results or have them mail them back to me all for the same 11. 00$. Everything you need to test ftom the drain plug is included.

 

[Sregorb]

THANKS!

Great, Thanks for the replies! I've sent for a couple but the thread keeps dropping the price lower and lower. Do I hear FREE?!?? Ok, didn't think so. But don't stop now if that's the trend, LOL!



paycheck-Are they on the web? If not, can I get a address/number for them? That might be the way for me to go as the local shops have exceeded that cost easily.



Brian