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Old 02-11-2008, 06:45 PM   #1
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Looking for recommendations on Engine Oil Analysis Labs. In searching iRV2, the only lab I see mentioned is Blackstone Labs.
Anyone have other labs you have used and been happy with?
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Old 02-11-2008, 06:45 PM   #2
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Looking for recommendations on Engine Oil Analysis Labs. In searching iRV2, the only lab I see mentioned is Blackstone Labs.
Anyone have other labs you have used and been happy with?
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Old 02-11-2008, 07:37 PM   #3
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Most Caterpillar heavy equipment and truck engine facilities have an in house lab. Check with some of the bulk engine oil dealers/jobbers in your area. Many of them have access to an oil analysis lab for their fleet customers.
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Old 02-12-2008, 05:19 AM   #4
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we've been using Blackstone -- all by mail.

Here is their link: Blackstone Labs
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Old 02-12-2008, 05:47 AM   #5
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Old 03-01-2008, 03:04 AM   #6
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Check the Amsoil site. I do my oil analysis through them and I am very satisfied over the years. Blackstone seems to be the top one though. I can't give you the name of the one I use as we are not at home right now, sorry.
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Old 03-05-2008, 05:25 PM   #7
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I use Analysts Inc. google them and you can find their info. I used them on a big magazine article I did on engine oil a few years ago and they ran a hundred or more samples and I found them to be a good lab and they have a fast turn around too.

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Old 03-07-2008, 08:29 AM   #8
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Dumb question but why do an analysis? Is it needed or should you just go by the engine mileage recomendations?
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Old 03-07-2008, 08:50 AM   #9
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Oil analysis can tell you at least 2 things:

1. The condition of the oil and its additive package - critical if you're using extended drain intervals.

2. The condition of oil-wetted and other engine components - wear metal analysis, the presence of glycol, silicon, fuel dilution, etc. can flag developing engine problems prior to catastrophic failure.

So, even if one changes oil at the manufacturer-recommended intervals, oil analysis can still provide valuable insight on what's going on inside the engine.

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Old 03-07-2008, 09:34 AM   #10
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Thank you, This forum is so helpful and I have learned a lot in the last 6 months about my coach.
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Old 03-07-2008, 10:44 AM   #11
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Cummins position is do NOT extend the oil change interval based on oil analysis or by using synthetic oil.

I am not a believer in oil analysis as no has reported that they have torn their RV engine down based on oil analysis to avoid engine failure.

IMHO, it seems to provide lots of interesting information, but of little practical use.
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Old 03-07-2008, 10:57 AM   #12
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Dirk,

While I'm aware of Cummins' recommendations, the facts are that some owners (and many fleets) base their oil change intervals on lube oil analysis. I have worked for a manufacturer of large industrial engines and compressors for over 34 years, and almost all of our customers base their oil changes on lube oil analysis and filter changes on differential pressure as well as oil analysis. Therefore, as I was addressing Corvette Man's question in a general sense, oil analysis is indeed critical for those who choose to base their oil change intervals on oil condition, not time or mileage.

With crankshafts running over $300,000 for some of our engines and lead times extending beyond 1 year, lube oil analysis that identifies bearing distress allowing for shutdown and problem rectification before a crankshaft is destroyed is pretty practical technology.

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Old 03-07-2008, 11:08 AM   #13
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Rusty, I understand your situation completely.

My comments referred to RV engines.

I have seen posts on various RV forums by owners who change their oil at extended intervals, based on oil analysis.

Personally, I see no need to disregard Cummins oil change recommendations.
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Old 03-07-2008, 11:11 AM   #14
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Route 66:
Personally, I see no need to disregard Cummins oil change recommendations. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
It's the situation where each owner pays his money and takes his choice.

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