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Oil Analysis

I received by email the results of analyses of the engine oil and transmission fluid for our coach. We submitted the samples to Blackstone Labs. (Blackstone Labs) I sent the samples on Saturday, from Texas, by USPS Priority Mail to Indiana. I received the reports today, Monday, by email. I consider that to be fast service!

The Delo 400 engine oil had about 9,600 miles and 13 months on it. Analysis showed good numbers for all components. Blackstone recommended running another 3,000 miles before changing.

The Dexron transmission fluid had about 21,300 miles on and 21 months on it. Again, analysis showed good numbers for all components. Blackstone recommended running another 3,000 miles on the transmission fluid as well.

I extracted the fluids via the dipstick tubes. I used the pump that I bought from Blackstone and 1/4" plastic hose from the hardware store. I used about 6' of fresh hose for each sample. I drew the samples after warming up the equipment by driving about 20 miles, including a few miles at 60-70 mph. With the pump and sample bottles from Blackstone, the procedure was relatively clean and easy.

I sent the samples in a USPS "if it fits, it ships" box.

I was pleased with the experience. Cost was about $60 for samples, $30 for the pump, $2 for plastic hose, and $11 for shipping. The next analysis will be cheaper. I'll already have the pump, and may use an alternate shipping solution to save a few bucks.

I was curious about the whole procedure. I share this because I expect a few other people may be curious as well. Those with related experience may have more to add. It seems to me that fluid analysis may save some bucks on fluid changes without compromising protection of the equipment.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #2 –
Seems all major engine companies have very good oil analysis labs.  such as Cat & Cummins :

Cummins NPower

Might take a look, I also use the Valvoline oil analysis via Cummins, they seem to do a good job and very reasonable with post paid mailer tube included.

Lots of options.
Dave M

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #3 –
Blackstone has an advantage because they send us sample kits for no charge and we pay when we send in the oil. Blackstone is popular with several Foretravel members.
Blackstone Labs

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #4 –
Wondering about the pricing on these kits ?  My connectin with Cummins, I purchase a box of 10 kits, about $8.75 each.  When I see the cost of $60.00 for two, I cringe  :(
Price for diesel fuel analysis is much higher, we do not do many of these, only special cases.
We have many customers who like the report on engine condition.
I keep laughing  ;D
Dave M

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #5 –
Blackstone posts prices at $19 each for 6 or more units prepaid. The price drops for higher quantities. The posted price for single units is $25 plus $10 for TBN. Dave's arrangement with Cummins could provide considerable savings.

I found that I had put the wrong mileage on the order for transmission analysis. We corrected that today with an email to the analyst at Blackstone. Again, his response was fast, personal, and courteous.

The information about the service from Cummins is good to have. Dave M and Barry continue to provide great information for us relative newbies.

J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #6 –
Anecdote to oil analysis, years ago, I had a sailboat with a little one lung BMW diesel engine. sent off oil samples routinely and compulsively. All reports OK except for rather large quantities of silicone. Made appropriate inquiries to lab and was assured that this was due to sand getting into the oil (the engine had raw water cooling). Enigma, everything running fine and levels remained the same, after many episodes of gnashing teeth, finally contacted someone at BMW who could answer my problem. This particular engine had a silicone coating in the cylinder.
No RV! Have hung up the keys.
In the past: 2016 Winnebago Era, 1994 Foretravel U240, 1995 Foretravel U240 (wide body), 1999 Foretravel 320, 36 Foot, 2003 Foretravel U320 38 foot,

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #7 –
I think they were doubly mistaken.  Silicon or silica is from sand.  Silicone is man-made.

oldMattB
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #8 –
I wouldn't pay for an oil analysis without TBN.  Certainly without it you can detect wear or internal leaks, but it's the TBN that will tell you how much life remains in your oil additives.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #9 –
To quote Brett Wolfe: "I wouldn't pay for an oil analysis without TBN. Certainly without it you can detect wear or internal leaks, but it's the TBN that will tell you how much life remains in your oil additives."

I agree wtih Brett: The TBN costs an extra $10, but lets one know the amount of detergent and lubricity left in the oil. Based upon the TBN, Blackstone techs recommend additional mileage before another oil change. In our mechanical 8.3's the recomended oil change interval is 5,000 miles. I have been able to extend that another 2K (40%) via the TBN and still have plenty of protection.
Don Hay
'92 Grandvilla, U-280
The Hayfever Express
Build #4055
'97 GEO Tracker
Life is like licking honey off a thorn.

Re: Oil Analysis

Reply #10 –
Good point, one reason we have been using the Valvoline "Post" analysis program thru Cummins Engine, Cummins Blue oil is Valvoline.  Anyway, works for us, take a look to see what is included in the basic sample test analysis. Quality & Price win in my world.
Cheers

POST :: Valvoline ::