I am going to do the Blackstone Oil Reports. Just needing to know what tests I should order since this is the first time ever. How do I start? Just request a collection kit?

 

YOu can get a free kit sent to your place then send the money and the info with the kit when it goes out.

 

I just found their toll free number on their website, and called them.

The free sample kit was here within days.

When you get a sample send it in, and the fee.

Also be sure to specify how you want the results...I just get them via email only.

 

Any advice?

 

engine oil for sure. maybe trans when you have it serviced.

 

I meant do I just do the standard test only or do any of these too?


Karl Fisher Water Test
$34.00

Chlorine
$35.00

Dielectric Constant
$40.00

Emulsified oil
$62.00

Grease
$35.00

H2O (6 elements)
$125.00

On-Spec Waste Oil
$168.00

Particle Count
$22.00

PCB analysis (full)
$95.00

PCB screen
$28.00

Oil + % Ash
$80.00

Solvent
$34.50

Specific Gravity
$21.00

Sugar Analysis
$62.00

Sulfur
$40.00

TAN
$10.00

TBN
$10.00

Total Halogens (TOX)
$65.00

Total Halogens Screen
$40.00

Viscosity @ 100°F
$34.00

Viscosity Index
$34.00

 

*I* wouldn't do more than the standard base number, and MAYBE a TBN.

the first one i would suggest sending in an eng oil sample and get a standard test done to get a feel for what you're getting into with it. then if you decide you want more information on your engine (or tranny, etc), get more/different tests done the next sample you send in. but i believe most simply get the std analysis done.

 

I'd start with just the basic oil test. If you are considering trying to extend the change interval, you can order a TBN, but the basic oil test will give you enough info to throw up flags if there are any issues.

 

Cool, thats what I needed to know. Just wanted to make sure, thx guys

 

I just got my oil test kit from a Shaeffers dealer close to me along with 2 five gallon buckets of 9000 5w-40 synthetic motor oil thanks to some FTE members heads up on this product. I,m gonna be testing this Rotella 5w-40 synthetic that i,ve been running since 15,000 miles at 10,000 mile intervals to see how everythings handling.

 

That's what I would suggest, over Blackstone. You do have to pre-pay for the Schaeffer's kits, but they're only $9 and the postage is pre-paid on the canister, unlike the Blackstone where you have to pay your own postage.

I switched to using Schaeffer's after having some very negative experiences with Blackstone, and some inconsistencies in their reporting. I know some other members here have also experienced some negative reports from Blackstone.

My personal experience with them, I'll try to sum it up quickly. One report they tell me I've got antifreeze in my oil. That worries me. On the next report, they tell me it's gone, so whatever I did to fix it worked. Only thing is, I didn't do a single thing! An antifreeze leak isn't going to fix itself, so where did it come from in the sample they reported it having it?

Second thing was their panic they tried to send to me by telling me the lead had doubled and it was time for me to change my oil, immediately! Damage was being done. However, when you looked at the numbers, it went from 5ppm to 10ppm...a pretty normal increase. Also, considering Navistar says anything under 100ppm for lead is safe, my lead numbers weren't at all even close to being a concern. I feel they should have looked at the actual numbers and not just a percentage increase.

What I know another member here experienced was a report that showed 300ppm of magnesium in a sample from the rear diff. Problem is, the diff doesn't have any magnesium in it, and the gear lube he used also didn't have any magnesium in it. Even if there was some residual from a previous change with a different fluid, it's wouldn't be enough to report 300 ppm! It was pretty obvious to me that the report he got was definitely not from his sample he sent in.

Guys, don't take this wrong. I don't mean to speak badly against Blackstone, but when it's your truck vital components we're dealing with here, I would prefer to have our fellow FTE members informed of a potential for incorrect reporting. I'm sure the majority of the time, there are no problems with Blackstone's reporting, but are you willing to risk being one of the times that there is a problem with the report?

Just my two cents.

 

Do you have a website?

 

The website for Schaeffer's is Schaeffer Oil 3.0 | Industrial Lubricants | Diesel Fuel Additive | Synthetic Motor Oils. You'll want to call the home office, and ask for a sales rep in your area. Specify sales rep and not a retail location. You'll need a rep to get the sample kits. Probably a little extra effort to find the rep, but once you've found a rep, it becomes much easier. Let me know if you've got any more questions.

 

I called Schaeffer's and a rep should be calling me today, thx Jeremy

 

You're quite welcome.