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Old 09-16-2013, 07:49 AM   #1
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Retrieving Oil Sample

How do you guys get an oil sample from your engine for an oil analysis? The last one I sent to Blackstone showed some higher than normal levels on a few things, but I took that right out of the bottom of the pan which probably wasn't the best idea. I changed the oil and Blackstone said to retest after 4000 miles. I've hit that mark, so I bought a little squeeze syphon hose, but can't seem to get it far enough down my dipstick tube.
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Old 09-16-2013, 08:09 AM   #2
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Get yourself a lube pump.
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Old 09-16-2013, 08:10 AM   #3
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What is a lube pump? I thought that's what I have.
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Old 09-16-2013, 08:11 AM   #4
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Blackstone has a little hand pump with a long tube that you insert into your dipstick tube and suck up a sample. It is $30 and I plan to order one.
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Old 09-16-2013, 08:14 AM   #5
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Before you drain oil run the engine till hot, then sample the drain stream a minute or two after pulling the plug. I don't think there's a way to thread a sample tube down the fill or probe tubes without picking up the gunk that accumulates in these tubes.
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Old 09-16-2013, 08:17 AM   #6
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That's the problem, I just want to take a sample, not drain the oil. Maybe I'll buy the Blackstone pump.

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Originally Posted by Pigman1 View Post
Before you drain oil run the engine till hot, then sample the drain stream a minute or two after pulling the plug. I don't think there's a way to thread a sample tube down the fill or probe tubes without picking up the gunk that accumulates in these tubes.
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Old 09-16-2013, 08:20 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by topdownman View Post
How do you guys get an oil sample from your engine for an oil analysis? The last one I sent to Blackstone showed some higher than normal levels on a few things, but I took that right out of the bottom of the pan which probably wasn't the best idea. I changed the oil and Blackstone said to retest after 4000 miles. I've hit that mark, so I bought a little squeeze syphon hose, but can't seem to get it far enough down my dipstick tube.
There are basically 3 ways to take a sample:
1. While draining the oil for an oil change. Wait until the oil is about 1/2 drained & get a sample from the stream.
2. Down the dipstick tube with tubing and a vac pump. Both Blackstone & JG Lube Services sell kits. Reuse the pump but only use the tubing once.
3. Most diesels have a pressure port somewhere and a special valve assembly can be installed to pull a sample. This method can also be used on an Allison transmission. I installed one of these on my Allison because I test to see if fluid needs to be changed. The port assembly cost less than $30 and was a 10 minute job to install.

Since you have that bulb pump, take it to Lowes or HD and see if they have tubing you can get in a longer length to fit on the suction end of the bulb.

I commend you for doing the testing.
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Old 09-16-2013, 08:21 AM   #8
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Hi Mark:

You need to have the engine oil hot and the particles in suspension to get an accurate reading.
If you are over 4K miles you might as well run it up and change the oil. Obviously let the oil fill the bottle as she drains. Changing your oil and filter is the best and cheapest thing you can do for the longevity of your investment.

The tube down the dipstick hole extractors are a pain in the ass and expensive. A Jabsco vacuum pump with the 5 gallon pail receptacle is $150. I have one for my boat oil changes. They are, in my opinion, the absolute best.

Best Regards,

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