Oil analysis

[wallygetsit]

I just took a sample from my Explorer and will send it in for oil analysis tomorrow.

The oil is three months old with 4,900 miles on it. Conventional 5w30.

Will post results when I receive them.

I am an industrial equipment reliabilty engineer and we change oil out in machinery using predictive measures versus being preventative. In an automobile engine changing 1-1.25 gallons of oil is inexpensive, however say in the case of an injection molding press where 800 gallons of oil is needed in a change, it pays to be predictive as it can save much money. Oil for presses in which I speak about costs between $5-10 a gallon. Being able to push an oil change three months can save a great deal of money over the life of the machine.

Using spectral analysis on oil is like getting blood work done at the doctor's office. If high concentrations of wear metals (particles) are in the oil, one can conclude what part of the engine is beginning to fail. Certain metals can point towards pumps, or rings, or any part of the engine. A good oil analysis technician can point out right away what parts of a engine is going bad just by looking at the analysis report, without having to open the engine.

Cheers

 

[Ender_Wig]

where are you going to send it? and what is the cost? I read a REAL long thread about this the other day but most of the info was from the year 2000, when the thread started. Some updated info please?

 

[aldive]

I have used Amsoil's analysis service but am currently using Blackstone ( Dead Link Removed ).

 

[mosinman]

oil anaylsis

what I don't like about oil analysis is that it only tells you the amount of particulate matter and the condition/viscosity of the base stock. Oil analysis doesn't tell you the condition of the oil's additives, such as detergents. For me, I feel it isn't worth the time, effort, or expense. An oil change cost me only $16.00. However, I still think its neat that companies offer it for those that want to do it.

 

[wallygetsit]

Certified Laboratories is performing the test.

Mosinman is correct in that the typical test only looks at the properties of the base oil. However, a second test, the TBN test, determines the additive properties that are present in the oil. The best way to do the test is to have a sample of the virgin unused oil (from the original bottle) which will tell what the oil's additives are to begin with and then another sample of used oil, to see where the additives have fallen to.

Plain oil without additives in an engine will cause the engine to seize at a very quick pace.

Cheers!