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For those of you that have your oil analyzed I was wondering who you used. Basic internet search came up with a few providers, some listing cost, others want you to call for pricing. I have never sent a fluid from a vehicle in for testing in my life, so this is completely new to me. I understand the value of doing it, and fully intend to order a kit within the next few days. Seeing how I am not the original owner of this truck I am curious to know all I can about, and hopefully head off more problems before they arrive, but it would definitely be nice to know in advance if there is something lurking around the corner. Well following is a short list of some of the labs I have found, if you use one of these please let me know, of if you use another lab please post a link up.
Once again thanks in advance, and oh yea a pick of my truck just cause I like my truck (its really nothing fancy compared to most of y'alls trucks.
Plainly says they service individuals and industry...not just CAT equipment
Just guessing by the google response I could probably list lots more. But this is just to get the conversation going. Any heads up in this area would be fantastic. As always thanks for reading and answering
I think its a good idea. I send 12 samples each month to these guys: Signum Oil Analysis Program | Mobil Signum Oil Analysis
from the equipment on my boat. I cant comment on the cost, I have no idea how much it is. I does appear they will do a personal vehicle and such.. If your gunna use spectro as your oil change interval guide Id suggest giving yourself some extra capacity with a Donaldson ELF7405 Donaldson ELF7405 Lube Filters | Filters | EverythingTruckParts.com
If your really into the investigation thing maybe grab a filter cutter and open the canisters up when you reach your service interval..
Personally I dont mess with it in my truck, y.. I dunno..
However I would be tempted to use a viscostick, ive used them in the past and while very one dimensional they provide tangable results for viscosity at least. http://www.everythingtruckparts.com/...MZ2hoCIg_w_wcB
I've always used Blackstone. They'll send you free sample kits, and the cost is $25. For this, I don't think you can get too much variation between sample companies. I don't know if its worth doing every oil change, but I truly believe its worth doing if you're considering making a new large investment (like RSK, trans work, injectors, etc.).
Originally Posted by oldbird1965
Blackstone Labs is one but now I use the company that does Schaeffer's oil, which I buy now.
I use Schaeffers oil as well, so who is the company they use that you're referring to? It might be worth me looking into.
I ordered a test kit from Blackstone this morning, kinda wished I had tried fluid testing prior to getting my transmission replaced, would have been nice to know, between this oil change and the next one I intend to have the transmission fluid, coolant and oil tested, when I get my true trac I will have the old gear oil tested as well.
After 18 years of ownership I finally send an engine oil sample to Blackstone. They promptly send back a very detailed report showing everything tested OK. It's a good idea to get it tested to see if there's any fluid intermixing, excessive wear particles, etc. so that corrective actions can be effected before the engine is damaged.
The first test was OK but the second one had dirt in it because of injector, studs, valve springs, push rods etc. being put on the motor. Darn, it came out sideways!
Mine looks different than your but this is my first one. I had three done on different fluids for different vehicles. I do like the overall experience with Schaeffers and will continue to use them. I've purchased some of their fluids and hope that I have good experiences with them as well. I would recommend their fluid testing to others. I'll continue researching the test results to learn more about the different items meanings and what is normal. Got good reading on my 7.3 engine and transmission. Got bad reading wife's suv transmission tho. Maybe early enough to save it.
I'll add this little cheat sheet..
Question for you Glenn, what are your thoughts on me switching over to your 7000 15/40 from my conventional Rotella at 90k. Everything seems to be fine currently, I wouldn't want to do anything to upset the apple cart but if I'm loosing out and really cutting into my motors longevity maybe I can persuade myself to make a change..
Corey, I made that switch in oil (same as you are thinking) @ 150k. The reason I did is I've had my oil temps climb quite high when towing in real hot/windy weather. The shaeffers will break down at a much higher temp. I ran rotella for 12 years+, it's good oil. Unless you are working the crap out of it or you think it will just make you feel better I wouldn't worry about changing. JMO of course.
Corey, I made that switch in oil (same as you are thinking) @ 150k. The reason I did is I've had my oil temps climb quite high when towing in real hot/windy weather. The shaeffers will break down at a much higher temp. I ran rotella for 12 years+, it's good oil. Unless you are working the crap out of it or you think it will just make you feel better I wouldn't worry about changing. JMO of course.
Thanks Darin, you hit on a good point. I rarely tow with my truck tho that could change any day now as I'm looking for another boat. I wasnt sure what the rule of thumb was if any on when to or when not to switch. Like I said I dont want to open upna can of worms in the form or leaks or burning oil or something.. Its good to know you successfully made the transition unscathed.. I'll have to do a bit more reading I guess before I can comfortably make a decision.
