Engine oil testing

[tcbrow]

I just changed the oil in my ISC 330. Looking for suggestions for a place to send a sample of the old oil for testing. Also, what can I expect to learn from this test?

Edited November 19, 2021 by tcbrow

[DavidL]

https://www.blackstone-labs.com/tests/standard-analysis/

 

Google search.  Many hits.

[Dr4Film]

https://www.jglubricantservices.com/

[Just Jim]

usually you want to run the engine and take the sample immediately before it has time to settle.  Be sure you give them the exact engine specs that you have so they can provide you with good info.  Depending upon those specs they can tell you what metals the various parts are made of and therefore which are showing wear by what is in the analysis.

[allphase8]

We use Blackstone, I use prepaid sample kits about $25 if you purchase a minimum number.  Around $30 if not as I recall.  You contact them and they send the sample containers to you.

The sample analysis is very complete, they test for many metals, and contaminates like fuel, water ect.

In addition they provide a synopsis of the test highlighting a areas of concern and abnormalities and suggested solutions.

We had one analysis that said we had high silicon and advised to check air cleaner, which I have serviced every year, and sure enough the outfit that cleaned the filter had not gotten the hose from the air cleaner properly installed allowing dirt to get into get into the engine.  They recommended an oil change and taking a new test at a shorter interval and the silicon levels were back to normal.

Probably no the cheapest outfit but we like the completeness of the service.

416 E. PETTIT AVE.

FORT WAYNE, IN 46806 (260) 744-2380 www.blackstone-labs.com

 

[weighman695]

Ron,

 

Is the $30 for the kit only?  If it is, how much is the total cost of the oil test?

 

Thanks...

[allphase8]

They send containers at no charge I believe.  I use the prepaid option and buy 10 kits usually.

The charges I referenced are for the test.

Check there web site.

They also do my trans and coolant.

Ron

[Ivan K]

Correct, containers are free, you pay when you ship them back. Here is a sample of what you might expect few days later.

[ncsteve]

I also use Blackstone.  The only issue I had was trying to use the pump kit to pull it out through the dipstick tube. Could not get the hose to feed all the way into the pan. Ended up getting sample during oil change. Top notch company.

[allphase8]

We use a section of 1/4 diameter tube, put it down until it reaches the pan and suck as much oil as I can into the tube then blow it into the collection bottle, due this until I have enough to send in the sample.

[Ivylog]

I now take a sample at 20K miles…1/4” tube with end cut at 45 on a large syringe. Depending on the results a week later I’ll either change or go another 5K miles before changing.

X4 on Blackstone

[dandick66]

20 hours ago, Dr4Film said:

https://www.jglubricantservices.com/

I have had great experiences with JG labs.  The owner is an RV’er and he is very knowledgeable and accessible.  All reports are saved for trend analysis and they’ll let you know when to send another sample or change the oil.

Dan D, 2012 Diplomat 43DFT, Maxxforce 10 

[Dr4Film]

He was also an Allison Fluids Engineer who developed TranSynd Fluid for Allison Transmissions.

https://community.fmca.com/topic/3171-retired-allison-transmission-fluids-engineer/

Edited November 20, 2021 by Dr4Film

[miacasa_2000]

Richard,

Do you also have a copy of a report you could share I would like to see the differences. 

Roy 2003 Dynasty

[tcbrow]

Wow, thanks for all the great information. This is very helpful. I'll be sending my sample in soon. 

Thanks again 

[Dr4Film]

1 hour ago, miacasa_2000 said:

Richard,

Do you also have a copy of a report you could share I would like to see the differences. 

Roy 2003 Dynasty

Sorry I don't. Maybe someone else on this forum may have one to share.

I have my engine serviced every year with all new fluids and filters at a very reputable shop in Orlando FL. If I was doing the engine service myself or wanted to extend the time frame between oil changes, etc. I would definitely be sending in samples to be analyzed.

[dandick66]

Here is a copy of my oil analysis report.  

I860527-JGLUBR88881286.pdf

[cbr046]

On 11/19/2021 at 1:08 PM, ncsteve said:

I also use Blackstone.  The only issue I had was trying to use the pump kit to pull it out through the dipstick tube. Could not get the hose to feed all the way into the pan. Ended up getting sample during oil change. Top notch company.

I had to slice & dice the end of the tube so it would slip past whatever obstruction it was hitting.  I plain old slice wouldn't get through, ended up with an "arrow" shaped cut. 

I used JG labs but because I didn't know what the original oil was it was in incomplete test.  Each pre-paid kit comes with a bottle (3 pack, etc) and it's own length of tubing.  Can't re-use the tubing because any cleaning (brake cleaner, etc) would contaminate the next sample.  Only additional cost is shipping the sample back. 

- bob

[ncsteve]

42 minutes ago, cbr046 said:

I had to slice & dice the end of the tube so it would slip past whatever obstruction it was hitting.  I plain old slice wouldn't get through, ended up with an "arrow" shaped cut. 

I used JG labs but because I didn't know what the original oil was it was in incomplete test.  Each pre-paid kit comes with a bottle (3 pack, etc) and it's own length of tubing.  Can't re-use the tubing because any cleaning (brake cleaner, etc) would contaminate the next sample.  Only additional cost is shipping the sample back. 

- bob

Yea, I tried trimming as well as using a smaller diameter tubing that Blackstone had sent me. I finally just gave up on it. I am still curious as to what the obstruction is though… lol