Oil Analysis

[drewbz818]

I keep reading about oil analysis, can someone elaborate on this and where would you get it done at? Oh yea what does it cost?

[harryrcb]

this is one of the more popular ones.
Blackstone Labs

[drewbz818]

Thanks, how often would you perform this at every oil change?

[harryrcb]

Originally Posted by drewbz818

Thanks, how often would you perform this at every oil change?

I suppose if you are really concerned about it. I have never done my own car but perhaps I should. I would do it once for peace of mind. Change your oil at 5k and look at the filter very carefully. Also pay attention to the grade of oil you are using. Either 0-40 or 5-40 if you live in an extremely hot climate then you could go 5-50

[Wayne 962]

True, I have never done this either, but I suppose I should just to see what they have to say. Next oil change on the 959 or perhaps even the 962, I will send it out and see what the tech labs tell me.

-Wayne

[jb99Boxster]

I have used Blackstone for an airplane engine. The reports are very well detailed and provide a summary more or less explaining what they have found. Should any metals show up in higher than expected amounts they will provide suggestions. Keep in mind that a single analysis isn't very valuable. You need to build up a record on a specific engine to see if trends develop. A little metal in the oil now may not be a big deal but as a trend showing an increase could indicate a real problem.

[Wayne 962]

Originally Posted by jb99Boxster

I have used Blackstone for an airplane engine. The reports are very well detailed and provide a summary more or less explaining what they have found. Should any metals show up in higher than expected amounts they will provide suggestions. Keep in mind that a single analysis isn't very valuable. You need to build up a record on a specific engine to see if trends develop. A little metal in the oil now may not be a big deal but as a trend showing an increase could indicate a real problem.

How often do you change the oil on an airplane engine (hours on engine / length of time sitting in engine?). Do you have the oil analyzed each time?

-Wayne

[turboflyer]

+1 one on Black Stone, great folks. For accurate results every oil change to show trend analysis which is what you want so small changes problems dont become big problems. I should do more on all my vehicles but have been a bit lazy and cheap lately. If you pre-purchasee sets it is a bit cheaper. This really cuts through all the BS on how long you can go, and what additive packages are in and to what level depleted in the oil you are using. Should show any pending IMS bearing wear for sure. Its the base line you have to establish first then subsequent samples. Really worth it due to the cost of these engines. Airplane engines typically 25 too 50 hours.

[jb99Boxster]

I agree with the last post. I have a 260 hp airplane engine with oil changes every 50 hours of flying. Blackstone checks the oil. In addition the mechanic cuts the oil filter up into smaller pieces and feels for debris. Of course if you can feel a chunk in the filter and read a serial number it's too late. The key is to check it each time and establish the trend.