Oil test

[eddiehop]

What does an oil test show?

[Old-Biscuit]

Just about everything .......

Here is an example and explanations
https://www.blackstone-labs.com/report-explanation.php

[dennis45]

Here is some good info on the subject from JG who are an IRV sponsor. The principal owner, Tom Johnson is a former Allison engineer. Very helpful person.

Buy an Engine Oil Analysis Kit Today | Engine Oil Analysis Service

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Others have covered it but wanted to say hello! Keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[eddiehop]

Does a bad test indicate nothing can be done for the engine and transmission?

[Waiter21]

Although some people do oil analysis on aircraft engines, almost all aircraft owners cut open the oil filter for inspection. Debris in the filter is a good indicator of impending failure of crank bearings, rod bearings, etc..

I've never cut open or performed oil analysis on an automotive system..

Does a bad test indicate nothing can be done for the engine and transmission?

Depends on what the failure is.

To get a good baseline on oil analysis, you really need to have a baseline, and historical test results, i.e. every 50 or 100 hours an oil sample is submitted. Then over time, if there is a sudden change in one of the tests, this can generally point to the component that is producing the failure.. i.e. abnormal chromium could indicate a bad ring, or high brass/nickle could indicate a bad crank bearing..

[tmw188]

Different kits do more or less testing. You will need to purchase the hand pump for a one time cost it is in the mid $20's. I'm not sure if you couldn't take a sample from the drain but Tom can explain that. As for as a bad test result depending on what it shows maybe a future rebuild for a transmission or engine? They will give advice.

[AITG]

Check out www.bobistheoilguy.com . There are forums for used oil analysis that will give you lots of information.
I take oil samples of every single change in all my vehicles, including the generator. Wear metals indicate engine condition. Contaminant compounds will alert you to air intake leaks, coolant leaks, and fuel dilution conditions. By taking samples of each change you will be able to establish what is 'normal' for your engine.
I use Polaris Labs in Indy. They do an excellent job.

[super_rep]

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

Just about everything .......

Here is an example and explanations
https://www.blackstone-labs.com/report-explanation.php

I use Speedco for all my oil changes. They have onsite oil analysis at all their locations. I always get the oil analyzed at each oil change. I always have less than normal of all contaminants. Have to love my Detroit diesel. Now have 124,000 miles and it's seems to be going better than ever. If you treat it right, they claim it's a million mile engine. I believe it.

[CountryB]

Originally Posted by eddiehop

What does an oil test show?

It tells you if the oil is in good condition - so you can save money on oil changes. For example my engine holds 40 quarts. Rather than change annually (as the manual indicates when the mileage is still low) I can test the oil and know if it's okay to run it another year.
That saves hundreds of dollars.

[tmw188]

Originally Posted by CountryB

It tells you if the oil is in good condition - so you can save money on oil changes. For example my engine holds 40 quarts. Rather than change annually (as the manual indicates when the mileage is still low) I can test the oil and know if it's okay to run it another year.

That saves hundreds of dollars.

That's true but if you have a gasser it's about a 6qt change, the cost of an analysis roughly. It does give you good info for the first yr. of ownership to know about any wear or contaminates.


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[desertdd]

I have done oil samples with Cat on my C7, it usually came back with elevated levels of iron and aluminum. I cut a few filters open and found nothing, the Cat guy pointed out to make sure the engIne was fully warmed up. The last oil change I drove further to fully warm it up. The last sample came back fine. There is a correct way to take a sample. Just saying.

[Gary RVRoamer]

A fluid analysis gives two types of information (whether the fluid is oil or hydraulic fluid or coolant):

1. The condition of the fluid itself, i.e. whether it can continue to be used or should be replaced.
2. Indications of wear & tear on the system.

#2 is a matter of subtle guesswork. The fluid picks up bits of whatever it is in contact with, e.g. tiny bits of metals that are wearing away, contamination from leaks, any additives that may have been used, etc. The guesswork involves figuring out why those things are present and how serious it is. Finding evidence of antifreeze in the engine oil, for example, indicates a leak between cooling and lubrication and is extremely serious. Finding a little of some metal, e.g. iron or aluminum, probably indicate some wear and both the amount and rate of increase merely needs to be watched over time to see if it is excessive or not. The analysis report usually includes the labs opinion of that sort of thing.

[jimmy braden]

samples are somewhat relative. There are baselines for engine ages, oil compositions but in general each engine is unique and should be monitored routinely.. IMO. certainly diesels that are $$ to replace..