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Topic: On site oil analysis (Read 818 times) previous topic - next topic

On site oil analysis

It seems that I've heard of some shops that can do an on the site oil analysis as opposed to mailing in a sample and waiting for results.  Does anyone know if this is a common service by Cummins or other shops?  Speedco, perhaps? 

Thanks, Chuck
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: On site oil analysis

Reply #1 –
On site testing seems like a great convenience. However, there is value to an independent evaluation.

I can imagination the local test results being something such as, "Yes, sir! We tested your oil right here and we think you should change it right here." Your expectations and results are like to vary.

I mailed oil samples on Friday or Saturday (can't remember which) via USPS Priority mail from Texas to Blackstone Laboratories in Ft. Wayne, IN. I received results by email on Monday afternoon. That was easier than carrying a sample to a shop.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: On site oil analysis

Reply #2 –
Yes, but in this case need to do a pre buy inspection for an out of town coach.  Instant results would be very helpful rather than waiting around a couple of days. 
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: On site oil analysis

Reply #3 –
The local Rush Truck Stop (in Pharr, Texas) offers 'free' oil analysis with their very expensive oil change service. I planned to have it done at Rush and compare it to Blackstone Labs. But, Rush's equipment was not working the last time I was there. There is an opportunity for a conflict of interest with that service.
Blackstone will track your results over time.

Bob
2000 U270
Winter: Texas Rio Grande Valley or Foley, AL
Summer: The Gardens RV Community of Crossville, TN
2000 40 FT U270, Xtreme FBP
2017 C-Max Towed

Re: On site oil analysis

Reply #4 –
Quote
I mailed oil samples on Friday or Saturday (can't remember which) via USPS Priority mail from Texas to Blackstone Laboratories in Ft. Wayne, IN. I received results by email on Monday afternoon. That was easier than carrying a sample to a shop.

So how do I get an oil sample?

best, paul
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: On site oil analysis

Reply #5 –
My experience with both Cat and Cummins Factory engines, I know the oil lab at the Cat main office (The only lab per distributor) is a very extensive lab, I have serious doubts that a truck stop can analyze oil beyond the primary basics, surely not in great detail as to antifreeze, copper, aluminum, Babbitt, on & on.  So I find for under $10.00 and a week, you can get the real dope on your oil / engine condition.
Cat has about two dozen labs across the country.
Cummins uses Valvoline lab, or that is where we send ours for results.
FWIW
Dave M

Re: On site oil analysis

Reply #6 –
Paul,

The best way to get a sample is to buy a sampling kit from Blackstone or one of the other labs.  It consists of a sample bottle, hand pump, and plastic tubing.  You can stick the tube down the filler pipe.

You can skip the kit if you're draining the oil.  You have to remove the drain plug when the oil is hot, let the oil start flowing, then fill the sample bottle.  It can get messy fast.  I use the sampling kit, using new tubing every time.
Regards,
Brett

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

Re: On site oil analysis

Reply #7 –
Quote
The best way to get a sample is to buy a sampling kit from Blackstone or one of the other labs. It consists of a sample bottle, hand pump, and plastic tubing. You can stick the tube down the filler pipe.

Thanks!

best, paul
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: On site oil analysis

Reply #8 –
A fumoto type drain valve to replace the plug makes oil changing and sampling much less messy and easy.
Felix and Gail Mathieu
99 U320
Jeep Liberty CRD
Build number 5522

Re: On site oil analysis

Reply #9 –
Quote from: amos.harrison –
Paul,

The best way to get a sample is to buy a sampling kit from Blackstone or one of the other labs.  It consists of a sample bottle, hand pump, and plastic tubing.  You can stick the tube down the filler pipe.
Paul,

That is way I got samples from the engine and the transmission. The pump kit was $30 from Blackstone Laboratories. They supply the sample containers for free on request. If you order the pump, you can request sample bottles at the same time. The tubing is $0.20+-/foot from the hardware store.

I exercised the coach on a 20 mile run to get everything up to temperature. Then I extracted the samples via the dipstick tubes. The only mess was from a bit of oil on the tube when I pulled it out of the dipstick tube. Keep some paper towels at hand and have a container handy for discarded the dirty tube. Blackstone says you can reuse the tube if you clean it with mineral spirits. I prefer to pay the buck for a new tube.

I expect other labs have similar procedures.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: On site oil analysis

Reply #10 –
Some of you probably already have a hand-powered vaccuum pump you used the last time you bled brakes.  That (cleaned up) and a fresh bit of tubing will draw a sample.

oldMattB
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: On site oil analysis

Reply #11 –
Quote


That is way I got samples from the engine and the transmission. The pump kit was $30 from Blackstone Laboratories. They supply the sample containers for free on request. If you order the pump, you can request sample bottles at the same time. The tubing is $0.20+-/foot from the hardware store.

I exercised the coach on a 20 mile run to get everything up to temperature. Then I extracted the samples via the dipstick tubes.

Thanks! My order is in to Blackstone. I was wondering about oil temp. My next warmup run is April 1 so I'll do it then.

best, paul
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: On site oil analysis

Reply #12 –
As someone with a background in petroleum products analysis I would also recomend a full service lab.