Oil Analysis

Topic: Oil Analysis (Read 1340 times) previous topic - next topic

Oil Analysis

July 10, 2013, 04:08:51 pm

I am looking for a oil analysis company that I can send in transmission oil, engine oil and coolant for analysis. Can anyone give a name of the company that they have used and are happy with. Thanks for your help. Karl

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #1 – July 10, 2013, 04:26:02 pm

...and what's the best way to take a sample of the engine oil to send to the lab? ...sorry to be sooo stoopid!

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #2 – July 10, 2013, 04:30:36 pm

Blackstone labs , ft Wayne, IN. I use them at every oil change. Google it for their website.

On Wednesday, July 10, 2013, Karl Brenneman wrote:

Quote

I am looking for a oil analysis company that I can send in transmission oil, engine oil and coolant for analysis. Can anyone give a name of the company that they have used and are happy with. Thanks for your help. Karl

Karl and Madelyn Brenneman
2004 U320 42'

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #3 – July 10, 2013, 05:09:58 pm

Quote from: Karl Brenneman – July 10, 2013, 04:08:51 pm

I am looking for a oil analysis company that I can send in transmission oil, engine oil and coolant for analysis. Can anyone give a name of the company that they have used and are happy with. Thanks for your help. Karl

I use Blackstone Labs every oil change. They provide the sampling bottles free. I just put the bottle under as it is emptying .
Blackstone Labs

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #4 – July 10, 2013, 05:20:17 pm

I have used Blackstone, also. The extension over recommended oil change interval paid for their service. I bought from them the pump that will extract a sample via the dipstick tube. You can use 1/4" tubing from a local hardware store and use a fresh tube for each sample in order to avoid contamination.

I think Blackstone does not do coolant. I think they have a company to which they will refer for coolant tests. Send an email or call them. In my experience they have been very responsive to questions.

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #5 – July 10, 2013, 07:03:14 pm

http://www.jglubricants.com

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #6 – July 10, 2013, 07:17:40 pm

Another compay is Yancey Bros. or most likely any Caterpillar dealer. I believe the last I had tested was in the 25 dollar range. The kit came with a 1/4 pc. of hose to push down the dipstick tube. They also have the coolant kit. Take that sample from the petcock at the bottom of the rad.
Jerry

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #7 – July 11, 2013, 04:12:06 pm

Thank you, for all your in put. This forum is a great place for information. Thanks again.
Cheers Karl

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #8 – July 11, 2013, 08:20:49 pm

Hi Folks,

I have been using Polaris Labs in Indianapolis. They test oil, transmission fluid, hydraulic oil, coolant ... pretty much everything. Their services are accessed through the Horizon web site.

Oil Analysis, Coolant Analysis, Fuel Analysis, Metalworking Fluid Analysis, Fuel

HORIZON® Signin

They have several different levels of analysis at different prices. You buy the tests you want, they send you sample kits and id labels, mail them in and you get the results by email. They store all of your results buy date and equipment. (Coach or genset for example) and you can get them on line any time you want them.

You can buy test kits in singles or multiples of ten at a reduced cost.

I have been pretty satisfied so far. You can request specific info like cross contamination of coolant and transmission fluid (a very serious problem). The analyst will make comments about what they find when a result is out of the comfort range. They also have people you can call about test results to get more info or to help you decide which level of testing to choose.

Roger

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #9 – July 12, 2013, 06:15:05 pm

I too use Blackstone like Dave Stevens. I purchased the pump from them, run the tubing down the dip stick tube and pull hot clean oil for the sample. I stick the tubing down into the fuel tank to flush and clean the pump then store it in a gallon zip lock bag. The pump is well worth the cost, a lot easier than taking a sample during the oil change and you can pull a sample any time so it allows you to extend the interval between changes. This pays for the service and the pump.

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #10 – July 12, 2013, 06:50:45 pm

I went to the local Catepillar dealer where I bought a pump kit for $12. I withdrew engine oil, trans fluid, and coolant into the small containers from the kit and took them back to the Cat dealer for analysis. They sent it to their lab. I received the results a few days later via email.

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #11 – July 13, 2013, 11:03:44 am

I usually get my oil changes done at Speedco, they do oil analysis on site.

Roland

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #12 – July 18, 2013, 12:13:10 am

The key to oil samples is the sample has to be clean and taken from the same place each time otherwise you run the chance of getting a false reading.....Here is good info on how to take a good sample:

Learning How to Take Good Oil Samples - MacAllister Machinery

I have used drain valves for years.....

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #13 – July 18, 2013, 06:55:34 am

Ted,
That is good info. thanks for posting. While I dont use a vacuum pump to retrieve samples I had no idea it would present a problem using it for both coolant and oil as the fluids dont go thru the pump.
Thanks. Jerry

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #14 – July 23, 2013, 05:56:43 pm

I had no intention to put this many miles on my oil and was worried about what the analysis would show. I was pleasantly surprised. Attached is the Comment section of my 7/13/12 Blackstone report.

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #15 – July 23, 2013, 06:06:55 pm

Dick if you had Amsoil you can go many more miles every time. What are you using now?
John H

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #16 – July 23, 2013, 06:19:49 pm

Hi John,
Using Dello 400 now. $117/15,000 miles isn't bad.
How many miles are you putting on Amsoil? Cost?

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #17 – August 23, 2015, 02:10:05 am

I just got my second oil analysis back from Blackstone Labs. Blackstone Labs When I bought the coach back in 2012 it had 82000 miles on it and I wasn't able to tell when the last change was made or how many miles since the last change either. The PO had owned it for 6 years and told me he changed the oil whenever it needed it! Sounded like good line and he was a preacher so I left it alone!

I did the first analysis in Jan 2013 with 2000 miles(estimated) on the oil. I wanted to get a baseline and try to determine if the oil was much older than I thought which should show up in the analysis. The results were what I expected. Blackstone comments:

JERRY: This first sample from your motorhome has us a little concerned. Wear metals are higher than average across the board. Universal averages show typical wear levels for this type of engine after about 7,800 miles on the oil. Sodium can show coolant, which might be contributing to the high wear, though this much isn't enough to say for sure. Fuel dilution was present at 3.0%, which could show a fuel system issue, maybe a leaky injector, though this much fuel normally wouldn't be responsible for all this metal. Check this engine closely and resample in 2,000 miles.

I changed the oil and have been using Howes diesel treatment and Meaner Cleaner. At 86000 miles here are the comments from Blackstone.

JERRY: It's been a while since we last saw your motor home, but it appears to be wearing a lot better than it was a couple years ago. Metals are improved in almost all cases - tin (bronze) is still a little high, though not significantly changed from last time. We did find a lot of silicon. That can show dirt (in which case you'd want to check out the entire air filtration system, including all the hoses and fittings), or it might be from a harmless sealer, lube, or additive. Fuel read at only 0.5% - a nice improvement. We'd change this oil and stick with 3,000 miles in the future.

A fairly clean bill of health with much improvement in the metal content. I have a new air filter (Napa Gold) but I still need to check the rest of the air filtration system. I've noticed instant start-ups with very little smoke. It runs smooth as glass with plenty of reserve power. Another 3000 miles and we'll see what the lab says. Very little fuel in the oil and I run regular injection/cylinder cut-out tests with the Pro-Link. Hopefully I should be able to detect a leaky injector before a major problem happens.

You can create an account with Blackstone to view your reports online, how to read the reports, and get free test kits. Got my results back in about a week.

For 25 bucks a pop I think it's worth it. I know some members have used Blackstone or others many times.

Jerry

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #18 – August 29, 2015, 12:52:31 am

Blackstone is telling you to change your oil every 3,000 miles? Are you using Delo 100 straight 40 weight oil and always driving far enough to completely warm up the engine every time you start it? Do you drive on dirt roads or paved roads? You probably need to add a gallon of oil every 2,300 miles just because it's a two cycle engine, and your engine probably holds 7 gallons of oil if it's like mine. Detroit Diesel says you can go 100,000 miles between oil changes on Series 92 two cycle engines, with up to 25,000 miles between filter changes if you use the correct oil (mentioned above) and the correct oil filter, and drive highway miles, not dirt roads... I know this is gonna start a huge argument (again) but that's what Detroit Diesel says and they're the manufacturer and they have tremendous resources to test this stuff over 60+ years and millions of engines built, and it agrees with the lab results I got from my engine oil... Even Cummins says their (four cycle) engines can go up to 15,000 miles between oil changes with 15W-40 oil with higher ash content and additives. Delo 100 straight 40 weight is much cleaner, higher quality oil than four cycle engines use, and two cycle engines use twice as much oil as four cycle engines so there's twice as much new oil being added to maintain the dipstick level.

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #19 – August 29, 2015, 02:04:49 am

While Detroit did originally call for 100,000 mile oil changes, it has been shortened a few years ago to 15,000 miles for highway trucks and motorhomes. This is for 4 cycles as well as 2 cycles. Intermittent use in an RV calls for more frequent changes or at least once a year. Many boat forums recommend 100 hours between changes. See factory publication for oil requirements and intervals at: http://www.demanddetroit.com/pdf/vocations/Lube-Oil-Fuel-Requirements.pdf

I order 7 gallons of Delo 100 #40 but with filter, it takes 5.5 gallons. I have gone 10,000 since the last change and the oil is just reached the bottom add oil mark on the dip stick. About 2 or 3 quarts worth. Oil changes with filter cost just over $80 for 5.5 gallons of Delo 100.

Running an additive in the fuel does keep the injectors cleaner and may help any injector last longer. Our MBZ 300SD has the original injectors at 440,000 without any kind of maintenance other than the fuel additive. Also keeps the return check valve clean plus kills algae. Cummins with inline Bosch injection pumps will have less problems with a clean fuel return valve. Low injection pump internal pressures can result in less power and pump wear on the Bosch pumps.

Using the Pro-Link for the injector test will let you know if you have a bad injector. Only takes a couple of minutes so you can do it frequently especially if you keep it connected to monitor fuel mileage, temps, pressures, etc, etc. Will also work on any Cummins or CAT electronic diesel if the reader has the correct card installed.

Pierce

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #20 – August 29, 2015, 02:32:30 pm

Quote from: RRadio – August 29, 2015, 12:52:31 am

Blackstone is telling you to change your oil every 3,000 miles? Are you using Delo 100 straight 40 weight oil and always driving far enough to completely warm up the engine every time you start it? Do you drive on dirt roads or paved roads?

Scott,

I wanted to get a baseline on the age/mileage of the oil and filters etc. so I could measure these things going forward. After the first test results I changed the oil (EXXON XD-3 straight 40 wt which specs out very close to Delo.....http://theoilnet.com/Atlantic-States-Lubricants/pdf/Vehicle-Lubricants/Exxon-XD-3-Monogrades.pdf ) and all the filters including the air filter (Napa Gold). I also started using Howes diesel treatment to condition the fuel and help clean the fuel lines and injectors, etc. I assumed the age of the first oil at 3000 miles and that is probably why they used that figure. The second results were much better and I am much more confident.

Injector tests, cylinder tests, all look good. Instant starts with less smoke, and runs smooth as glass with more power. Mpg is up from 7.6 to 8.5. I can now use Detroit recommended oil changes at 15000 miles as Pierce noted. I can't put a lot of miles on it right now ( not retired and still working too much! ), but I do run it up the highway ( 50 miles) at least twice a month. I'll watch the dipstick and do another oil analysis next year or 3000 miles whichever comes first . I haven't had to add any oil and fuel dilution is way down. On the next analysis I'll see if the silicon content has lowered for the better. I haven't had to add any coolant either and as we all know, fuel dilution and coolant in the oil are engine killers.

Jerry

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #21 – August 30, 2015, 12:48:41 am

I changed my oil filter at 25,000 miles as Detroit Diesel recommended, took an oil sample at that time, sent it to Detroit Diesel's own laboratory, and got back a good report with no suggestion to change my oil. Unfortunately one of my fuel injectors pumped fuel into the oil after that so I had to change the oil, which interrupted my laboratory testing schedule for now. In a couple of years I'll put on 25,000 miles again and continue from there. If the laboratory ever tells me to change my oil I will of course. I think Detroit Diesel did extensive oil testing over 60+ years and millions of engines produced so I'm not worried. Change your oil every day if it makes you feel better. I've still got a lot of beautiful places to go see with my time and money that I didn't waste fixing stuff that wasn't broken.

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #22 – August 30, 2015, 08:25:14 am

I have been running 15k intervals for years. Can I go longer, probably and can I put in a synthetic, again yes. I have friends who do and just change the filter and go on with a top off. I find the cost the cheapest thing I put in the motorhome over the 15k. I think Scott is right on the DD too. He is adding enough new oil to keep it updated and in my case I just need a trip to serbice every so often. Now that we are building a new house a pit might be in order.

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