Suggestions for Oil Analysis

[Bernie]

I have almost 200k miles, and I am experiencing some cold start problems. I want to make sure that the problem isn't injector related, and seeing how much fuel is in the oil is one way to tell.



What labs do you guys use you oil analysis?



Thanks!

 

[Jim W]

There are two labs that most people use. One is Blackstone labs and the other is associated with Cummins Inc. This is the Lab company I use. I purchase the oil sampling kit from Geno's Garage and mail it in when I change my oil. I use UPS to send the bottle into the Monitor lab and I receive an e-mail report and a written copy from them.

Jim W.

 

[amsoilman]

You can buy a "pre-paid" kit from Amsoil Inc. then it is sent to "POLARIS LABS", an independent testing facility. Some of the options you have are 1-POSTAGE PAID 2- UPS POSTAGE PAID 3-TESTING only. They do test for TBN as well, which is included.

 

[Mark31]

I have used John Deere prepaid kits. I just called the dealer and was told that Deere now does their own. The old print outs were good, and I'm sure the new ones will be done right. But $42 seems a might high to me? Mark

 

[Prairie Dog]

If you have a high return rate with your injectors it's not going to show up in a UOA. If they're leaking into the cyl it will show up in the UOA.
You need to check for excessive return. If that is the case then the first thing I would do is retorque the cross-over tubes.
You also may want to try unplugging your FCA to see if it starts right up.

 

[Bernie]

Is that the fuel control actuator? If so, where is it and why would that "correct" my cold start problem?

 

[George Cameron]

The local CAT dealer in my area charges $18. 95 for an analysis.

 

[Jim Ross]

Wayne,
I bought one of the pre-paid kits from Ams/Oil and I sent in my oil sample in early December (or perhaps even in November of 2011)..... and I have gotten no reply, no results or anything.
How long does the lab testing normally take?
My sample went to a lab in Utah, if that helps.
I have not contacted Ams/Oil about this yet, but was wondering if you had heard any similar stories.

 

[amsoilman]

Wayne,
I bought one of the pre-paid kits from Ams/Oil and I sent in my oil sample in early December (or perhaps even in November of 2011)..... and I have gotten no reply, no results or anything.
How long does the lab testing normally take?
My sample went to a lab in Utah, if that helps.
I have not contacted Ams/Oil about this yet, but was wondering if you had heard any similar stories.

Jim,
That is way to long for getting a report!! You should have received a tracking number within the Analysis kit so you could track it. You should call 715-395-0222 and speak with Kathy Berry about this unfortunate thing! You could also E-mail her at -- email address removed -- Keep in mind they are on "Central" time Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Also the Amsoil Oil Analysis kits are sent to an independent lab, which is "POLARIS LABS". They do have a lab in Salt Lake City.

I would certainly get hold of her..... She can do something for you, I am sure! I have never had a report take longer than 10 days!

Wayne

 

[Jim Ross]

Thanks, Wayne.
I will send her an email... . it is already past closing time on Friday, but she will have my email (polite) on Monday when she comes to work.

 

[Jim Ross]

Wayne,
I was experiencing some computer problems yesterday and was not able to email Kathy. However, the computer being down gave me time to dig thru my records and I found my tracking info on the oil sample. Long story short; I was able to get online this morning and I found my report! I had requested a mailed report from the lab, but obviously that did not happen. No matter, I printed my report.
All looks good (to me) after 7,000 miles on the oil and my only question is whether a finding of 12ppm of silicon is a low, medium, or above medium number. Iron was 39. No other wear or contaminant numbers were above 6. Soot was 1. 5%.
Your thoughts?

 

[TGVET]

I have almost 200k miles, and I am experiencing some cold start problems. I want to make sure that the problem isn't injector related, and seeing how much fuel is in the oil is one way to tell.

What labs do you guys use you oil analysis?

Thanks!

How cold ? My truck is 99. 9% never started dead cold unless the cord got disconnected or the 24hr timer it is on did. Start time is 3AM off time is 11AM M-F 1PM wknds. in case I don't go anywhere early. Engine is covered with a folded in half moving blanket to keep heat in.

I know, its anal, but its my only running rig until I rebirth my Suburban with a new Peninsular Diesel. Soon.

 

[Jim Ross]

I bought the pre-paid package from Ams/Oil. My sample went to Oil Analyzers Lab in Salt Lake City, but they also have labs in Houston and Indianapolis.
The phone number I have for them is: 877-458-3315 and you may be able to find more info at: www.trackmysample.com

 

[TGVET]

I bought the pre-paid package from Ams/Oil. My sample went to Oil Analyzers Lab in Salt Lake City, but they also have labs in Houston and Indianapolis.
The phone number I have for them is: 877-458-3315 and you may be able to find more info at: www.trackmysample.com

Ana Laboratories - Oil Analysis - Why ANA Labs?

Complete spectral analysis for $9. 95

 

[amsoilman]

Wayne,
I was experiencing some computer problems yesterday and was not able to email Kathy. However, the computer being down gave me time to dig thru my records and I found my tracking info on the oil sample. Long story short; I was able to get online this morning and I found my report! I had requested a mailed report from the lab, but obviously that did not happen. No matter, I printed my report.
All looks good (to me) after 7,000 miles on the oil and my only question is whether a finding of 12ppm of silicon is a low, medium, or above medium number. Iron was 39. No other wear or contaminant numbers were above 6. Soot was 1. 5%.
Your thoughts?

Good to hear you found your report... ... . 12ppm Silicon is a low number, Iron is also low number for your engine. Read the "COMMENTS", and you should see that the oil is certainly good for continued use.

I personally don't see anything out of limits for your report based on what you have shown here.

 

[Jim Ross]

Thanks again, Wayne for your continued assistance.
Will you be going to May Madnesss?

 

[amsoilman]

Thanks again, Wayne for your continued assistance.

Will you be going to May Madnesss?

If things work out, I will be attending this year.



Wayne

 

[Jim Ross]

We are going to be there. We will be pulling our enclosed box trailer with the Valk inside. We'll do some May Madness stuff and also do some rides on the Valk, probably into Death Valley and perhaps to Hoover Dam.
I look forward to meeting you in person.

 

[Bernie]

How cold ? My truck is 99. 9% never started dead cold unless the cord got disconnected or the 24hr timer it is on did. Start time is 3AM off time is 11AM M-F 1PM wknds. in case I don't go anywhere early. Engine is covered with a folded in half moving blanket to keep heat in.

History

-2003 truck, HO, auto, stock except for air intake and filter

-About 197k miles

-I have had it about 110k of those miles. No major repairs (except wear parts in the drive line and suspension)

-Lately, it does not want to start when cold. I have had to plug it in for any weather close to or below freezing.

-Over the past few years, it only needed to be plugged in during sub zero temps.



-The really odd thing is, I have left it at the airport (with temps in the teens and twenties) and it has started with out a problem. I run the heater grids a few cycles, and it starts.



-One thing to add, it seems to need longer cranking all of the time (even warm) then it used to. Not much, but a second or two.



-Once it is running, it runs fine. No driving problems, seems to still get good mileage, and idles fine.



Trouble Shooting

-I have verified plenty of oil, good voltage, and grid heater is working.



Questions

-Why all of the sudden has my truck developed a dislike of barely cold weather. It used to start fine down to zero, and only needed to be plugged in when it was sub zero. Why, with 20 degree nights and 30 degree days, has it become a problem?

-Why, when it dropped to zero during the time it was at the airport, did it start then and not now?

-Why is the crank time to start longer



Relevant info

-Stock lift pump. I have not replaced it in the 110k miles I have owned the truck. Not sure if it had been replaced by the previous owner.

-Stock injectors. I have not replaced them in the 110k miles I have owned the truck. Not sure if they had been replaced by the previous owner.

-Fleetgaurd fuel filter, changed every 15k miles. It is due, and I will be doing that this weekend with an oil change.

-I have a new lift pump, and I will be putting it in this weekend as a precaution.



Injectors?

-I don't want to replace injectors if mine are still good. It drives fine and gets good mileage, so I do not (at this tim) suspect my injectors.

-What is the best way (with out removing them) to test the injectors?

 

[amsoilman]

We are going to be there. We will be pulling our enclosed box trailer with the Valk inside. We'll do some May Madness stuff and also do some rides on the Valk, probably into Death Valley and perhaps to Hoover Dam.

I look forward to meeting you in person.

I will inform you if I can get there.



Wayne