Oil Testing

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Mar 2, 2011 | 09:23 PM

auden

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Joined: Nov 2007

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Oil Testing

I am in the Pheonix (Surprise) area and would like to hear some suggestions as to where to have my engine oil sample tested. I am on my second change of Rotella t-6 and would like to take in one or two sample's in the next week or so. 7.3 Diesel. Thanks for help.

Mar 2, 2011 | 09:33 PM

SteveBricks

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Joined: Aug 2007

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From: Lakewood, Ca.

I can't help you with a local source, but I've used Blackstone Labs for a few years. Costs around 22 bucks a sample plus postage, and you can usually see your results online in about a week.

Here's a link to their website: Blackstone Labs

Last edited by SteveBricks; Mar 2, 2011 at 09:35 PM.

Mar 2, 2011 | 10:09 PM

76ranger

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Joined: Mar 2010

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From: South Bend, IN

i have to ask what is the reason for testing used oil ive never heard of this before, what can be found from testing the oil

Mar 2, 2011 | 11:24 PM

binuya

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 1,573

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From: Seattle

Quote:

Originally Posted by 76ranger

i have to ask what is the reason for testing used oil ive never heard of this before, what can be found from testing the oil

I send an oil sample to Blackstone for analysis at my normal oil change interval of 5k miles. In particular, 7.3 Powerstrokes are hard on oil due to the nature of the high pressure oil pump which in turn, activates the injectors (despite the huge oil capacity of 15 qts). For example, at around 5k miles, my oil (15w-40 Delo 400) shears down to a 30w. You don't want to go any lower than that. But as in all other engines, the oil analysis will tell you about the presence of certain wear metals such as lead, iron, aluminum, chromium, and some others, which can be a good indicator of areas which might be wearing excessively, (i.e. bearings, piston rings, camshafts, etc.) The analysis also lets you know about the level of protective additives and detergents.

What I look for are particular trends in certain areas, such as a big increases in iron deposits which would indicate either exessive cylinder bore or camshaft wear. I make and run biodiesel, so I also want to know if I am getting any crankcase dilution.

For me it's totally worth the $24 per test. I plan to keep my rig for a long time. It's a great way to know the internal health of your engine.

Mar 3, 2011 | 11:18 AM

bashby

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Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 7,437

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From: Charles Town, W bygod Va

I've heard of some trucking companies doing oil analysis instead of changing at certain mileage intervals. It would be interesting to know how many miles it takes to actually wear out your oil.

Mar 3, 2011 | 01:03 PM

senix

Super Moderator

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 37,370

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From: Frederick, MD

On older non emissions diesels on OA is the way to go.

Newer emissions diesels and OA is till usefully to pin-point problems early but extended oil change intervals is not a wise decision.

I use blackstone as well.