who to use for oil analysis?

[Hitchhikingmike]

I have never had an oil analysis done before. Now at 5k miles I want to know if my amsoil is still good.

I would not only like to see statistics, but interpreted statistics. I am stupid and do not know what all the percentages mean. I want the analyzers to tell me what the statistics mean.

What company do you recommend for an oil analysis that interprets the statistics well in layman's terms?

Thanks.

 

[dogfriend]

Most of the UOA (used oil analysis) that I have seen have been done by Blackstone Labs. They report all of the levels of the various elements and they give "average" values so you can compare your values to "average". They provide comments about how well the oil is performing in your engine and give a recommendation on how many miles to use for the OCI (oil change interval).

I haven't used Blackstone, but I have used another lab (R&G labs, previously PdMA) to have ATF analyzed.

 

[Albino 94LTD]

I use Blackstone Labs and they do a poretty good job at a brief description of the results

$20 for standard
$30 includes TBN analysis (for extended change invervals, Total Base Number)

 

[rumpledoll]

I use Blackstone. They do a good job of explaining what the various numbers mean. Here is a result from my 2002 V6 Eddie Bauer with a short interval of 1,473 miles and Dead Link Removedoil.

I have since switched to Dead Link Removed oil and will do an analysis at the regular 5,000 interval to see how much farther I can go. I want at least a 12,000 mile interval which Amsoil should be able to do without a problem.

Rumple

Dead Link Removed

 

[azzey]

Yep, Blackstone Labs for me too.

Give them your address and they will send you a sample collection container. The container is free; you pay when you submit your sample.

 

[Hitchhikingmike]

Okay thanks all, I just filled out an online form for a testing kit to be shipped to me. I'll post up my results once I get them back in about 3 weeks, however long it takes.

 

[rizzjc]

I use Oil Analyzers:
http://www.oaitesting.com/
One advantage is that the report includes TBN number for no additional charge.

 

[Hitchhikingmike]

Oh by the way, how does everyone here go about taking samples of their oil?

Do I really need to go find a 3' hose to thread down my dip stick tube and figure out a way to then pump it?

Thanks.

 

[Hitchhikingmike]

I could take the filter off..... but ..... *cringe* it would be a pain in the A$$ to get an oily/slippery filter back on. Not looking forward to having oil running down my arms just for a small oil sample.

Backing off the drain plug on the pan and let it drip a while? I would think that there would be a great chance that oil sample could be contaminate by this method, being how dirty the plug is.

 

[DirtyDog]

Does any one know anywhere in Canada that does oil analysis?

 

[rizzjc]

Oh by the way, how does everyone here go about taking samples of their oil?

Do I really need to go find a 3' hose to thread down my dip stick tube and figure out a way to then pump it?

Thanks.

I have a pump that draws the oil up directly into the sampling container through the dipstick tube.
http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/oai.aspx

 

[JohnnyO]

I just catch it in the bottle when it's draining. Have the bottle ready, remove the drain plug, let some oil run out first, then hold the bottle under it. It really isn't messy to do it that way.
Simply pouring oil in from the filter I'm afraid would not be accurate because it might have more dirt in it.
Oh, and I use Blackstone also. There is a guy at www.BobIsTheOilGuy.com who will do additional interpretations of your UOA but I forget his name and what he charges.

 

[mechjames]

I just catch it in the bottle when it's draining. Have the bottle ready, remove the drain plug, let some oil run out first, then hold the bottle under it. It really isn't messy to do it that way.
Simply pouring oil in from the filter I'm afraid would not be accurate because it might have more dirt in it.
Oh, and I use Blackstone also. There is a guy at www.BobIsTheOilGuy.com who will do additional interpretations of your UOA but I forget his name and what he charges.

Terry Dyson, from Dyson Analysis. He isn't at BITOG anymore though.