Oil Analysis
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 143
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Oil Analysis
Hey guys I am going to start doing my own oil changes and I am wondering about when and how to do an oil analysis. I have 27,000 miles on an '06. I know nothing about the reports so here are my questions:
When should I send in a sample?
What's the procedure to pull one?
How often do I pull it?
Where do you guys recommend sending it?
I'm running Motocraft oil and filters, everything has been dealer changed on schedule to this point, and I plan on getting Motocraft/International filters from here on out, and I will continue to use CJ-4 Motocraft oil.
Thanks for the help.
When should I send in a sample?
What's the procedure to pull one?
How often do I pull it?
Where do you guys recommend sending it?
I'm running Motocraft oil and filters, everything has been dealer changed on schedule to this point, and I plan on getting Motocraft/International filters from here on out, and I will continue to use CJ-4 Motocraft oil.
Thanks for the help.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,612
Likes: 2
From: Dunwoody, GA
I just sent mine in to Blackstone Labs. They are a sponsor here. The sample I sent is w/ about 1700miles on my new motor. I'm going to use it as my baseline and after the next oil change I'll send another one in. Then I'll probably do it every 2-3 oil changes after that to see if there are any changes. The procedure to pull it is to let the engine run and get up to normal operating temperature. This can be done by driving around for 20 minutes. Then when you are draining the oil, about halfway through the drain process grab about 4oz of oil. This is all explained in the kit Blackstone sends you for free. I think the cost to do an analysis when you send it in is around $22.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 821
Likes: 1
From: Nashville
I do OA at every oil change so I can continuously monitor and document the engine's health. Probably overkill but it helps give me peace of mind.
I get the engine up to full operating temp, then pull the sample mid-drain. The Fumoto valve makes this painless: slide lever to open, drain five or six quarts of oil into drain pan, shut valve, hold sample bottle under valve, open, fill bottle, shut, drain rest of oil.
I use Blackstone Labs, but there are other good labs out there. Whichever lab you pick, try to stick with them as they each have slightly different methodologies. That'll give you a more consistent OA history.
All the lab reports I've seen do a good job explaining the results. If you have questions you can always call the lab and speak to the tribologist that did your analysis. You can also post your OA results over at the BITOG site and let the "oilheads" scrutinize it for you.
I get the engine up to full operating temp, then pull the sample mid-drain. The Fumoto valve makes this painless: slide lever to open, drain five or six quarts of oil into drain pan, shut valve, hold sample bottle under valve, open, fill bottle, shut, drain rest of oil.
I use Blackstone Labs, but there are other good labs out there. Whichever lab you pick, try to stick with them as they each have slightly different methodologies. That'll give you a more consistent OA history.
All the lab reports I've seen do a good job explaining the results. If you have questions you can always call the lab and speak to the tribologist that did your analysis. You can also post your OA results over at the BITOG site and let the "oilheads" scrutinize it for you.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,990
Likes: 1
From: Middleburg, FL
Blackstone Labs is a site sponsor. I've used them once and am getting ready to use them on my second UOA. Click on the link in the sponser section above and you'll find the answers to your questions as well as cost. However, it seems your questions have been pretty much answered by the fine people that use this site.
I had my first analysis done at 30k and will be doing my next at 45k (which I'm about ready to hit). No rhyme or reason why I picked 30k for my first sample. I was doing a lot of other preventative maintenance at 30k (oil, fuel, tranny) so I thought it was a good point to start. I've decided to sample at 15k intervals (again, for no rhyme or reason) unless I suspect something is going south. I change my oil/filter every 5k.
The report I got back from Blackstone was self explanatory. It's a pretty simple process. They'll also send you a sample bottle ahead of time. All you need to do is request one.
I had my first analysis done at 30k and will be doing my next at 45k (which I'm about ready to hit). No rhyme or reason why I picked 30k for my first sample. I was doing a lot of other preventative maintenance at 30k (oil, fuel, tranny) so I thought it was a good point to start. I've decided to sample at 15k intervals (again, for no rhyme or reason) unless I suspect something is going south. I change my oil/filter every 5k.
The report I got back from Blackstone was self explanatory. It's a pretty simple process. They'll also send you a sample bottle ahead of time. All you need to do is request one.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 27,881
Likes: 3,595
I have been using Blackstone since 4150 miles (now at almost 20,000). They make it easy. I have also used Dyson once while also sending a sample of the same oil to Blackstone. There were a few differences, but not real significant. I really liked the detailed explanations I got from Dyson, but Blackstone was certainly adequate (and a lot cheaper). If I saw some problems from Blackstone, I would probably send a sample to Dyson. I got several emails from Terry Dyson after sending my sample to him. He just wanted to have a complete set of information on my truck and recommended a few things also. Amazing to get this personalized service.
I am keeping an eye on my Iron and Silicon numbers as the truck "breaks in". The key thing though is the viscosity. I do not want to be running oil that has sheared below 65 SUS viscosity.
Here are my results (hope I got the link right) if anyone is interested. Used Motorcraft 15W-40 until 5000 miles ago and then switched to Schaeffer 9000 synthetic. No results yet on the Schaeffer.
I am keeping an eye on my Iron and Silicon numbers as the truck "breaks in". The key thing though is the viscosity. I do not want to be running oil that has sheared below 65 SUS viscosity.
Here are my results (hope I got the link right) if anyone is interested. Used Motorcraft 15W-40 until 5000 miles ago and then switched to Schaeffer 9000 synthetic. No results yet on the Schaeffer.
Last edited by bismic; Nov 8, 2007 at 08:09 PM.
