Community Forums

Mikefpt · 05-12-2018, 10:20 AM

Thoughts on an oil analysis Cat 350 diesel 30,000 miles. Is this a necessary expense with this milage. Also what is the normal turn around time. Looking at several motorhomes.

dennis45 · 05-12-2018, 10:43 AM

One oil sample in itself is of little value. Assuming the owner has had the oil/filters changed at least a couple of times in the 30K.
The value in oil analysis is when they're done on a regular basis prior to every oil change to develop a history.

Webz · 05-12-2018, 10:55 AM

I have submitted oil, transmission and antifreeze to
https://www.blackstone-labs.com/

Informative and reasonably priced.

Mr_D · 05-12-2018, 11:01 AM

I've used JG Lubricants (commercial member here). Takes about a week. Yes, there is a value in doing them even if only once as it can spot high values in wear (bearings, cams, silicon, etc) which can help make an informed decision on engine/transmission condition.

Craig1960 · 05-12-2018, 11:08 AM

Oil analysis are definitely worth doing but as mentioned one will only tell you if you are having a major failure. You need to give the lab a sample of the oil you use for a baseline and then every time you do an oil change.

I look after some equipment that have a lot of hours of them and only once in the past 7 years did an oil sample tell me that something was going away and it was on a fairly new machine. Turned out to be a rod bearing. Because we caught it right away we were able to save the engine.

Ivylog · 05-13-2018, 06:14 AM

If the oil was recently changed taking a sample will not tell you much. If the oil has 4-5K miles then probably worth the $20 to establish a baseline if you buy it. SpeedCo can do one in 10 minutes and then you can decide if it even needs changing unless you are in the camp that you have to change every year.

I change mine at 15K miles on my ISL which is usually every other year but I have gone three years.

jimmy braden · 05-13-2018, 08:28 AM

The lab can normally give you an idea if a single sample is within expectations for a specific oil, engine and time/miles in use. But at least 2 or so is good to have to get a trend.

jmck1737 · 05-18-2018, 07:00 AM

I have used Blackstone Labs for several years on our motorcycles with good results. Their reports are easy to read and come with a simple explanation of what those results mean. It is better to test each oil change as they track changes over time, especially if you are like me and use the same oil each time. They also send the reports via email so you can receive them even if traveling which is good for those who are mobile full time.