I just got my truck it's a 1999 F-250 Supercab 4x4 Longbed with 7.3L powerstroke and Auto Trans with 151,000 on the clock. I think the oil has about 4,000 miles on it, and it is Shell Rotella 15w40. I am going to switch to synthetic Rotella 5w40, to help with the cold weather starts. I would like to do an oil analysis on the oil that is in the truck now. Is Blackstone the only lab that does oil analysis I see they charge $22.50? Who does everyone use and what does it cost?

 

I currently use blackstone, but Schaeffers does it for about $7. BTW, if you are going to go to the synthetic oil, you should get with JT harvey he is a Schaeffers rep and in Missouri. Shell is good, but Schaeffers is better, and it is cheaper if you get it from a rep. I'm just saying....

 

I've used OilGuard, Blackstone, and Schaeffers.

OILGUARD's Lab Testing:
I was not satsified with OilGuard's contract lab's test results or test methods when I questioned them.

BLACKSTONE's Lab Testing:
I was satisfied, but they are somewhat expensive in my book (now that I have found a less expensive option). They were always prompt and provided consistent results. I found their discussion of my results sometimes a little iffy, and they did not always consider all the info I provided them when making suggestions.

SCHAEFFER's Lab Testing:
Least expensive without a doubt. Results have come a little slower than I was used to with Blackstone, but they understand the test results and will talk openly with you about what they mean and how to interpret them for your own driving situation. I initially missed having the TBN values... but I also have a significantly growing confidence in their product (the 9000 series 5w40 synthetic oil) and feel that the TBN values are not as necessary for me at this point.


There are other labs. I know that Amsoil does UOA (or contracts it out like OilGuard), and I've heard of some others but have no experience with any of the ones not discussed above.

 

I've been using Blackstone and I'm satisfied with them. They are kind of pricey though.

 

Schaeffer's kits are $9 a piece. They are pre-paid kits, but also have postage included in the price. Like all Schaeffer's products ordered from a rep, they must be purchased in a case quantity, unless you have a rep locally that has a few sitting around and is willing to sell you one or two only. For the oil sample kits, that means 6 at a time. If they're included in an order for other Schaeffer's products, they will be shipped with the other products and do count toward the $350, which gets free shipping. If someone wants to purchase just a case of 6 sample kits only, actual shipping costs will be applied to the order.

Also, if you place a product order for $500 or more, you can get 3 sample kits for free, and on orders of $1000 or more, you can get 6 sample kits for free. You just gotta remember to tell that to the rep...they can completely forget about that sometimes.

 

if you have an oil bulk plant close by they normally have test kits,or a Caterpillar dealer

 

Using these labs are very good to do, but they all fall short in one area. They do not measure the size of the particles found in the oil. The size of particles can tell you alot more that just the particale count. A better test is analytical ferrography. A lab that uses this as a test can tell you particle size and concentration, types of metals, source of contamination, and contaminant indentification. The size of the particles are reported in microns. It is also a good indicator on how well you filter is doing according to the micron rating and the beta ratio of the filter. I heard that these kind of test will run you around $75 bucks.

 

Bump... Does anyone know of any other? I just changed my oil and would like to get an analysis on the old oil.

 

Though I use them for testing coolant, Polaris also does oil.

Pop

 

For me, Dyson Labs it the ticket. Great personal service, very thorough and knowledgable, but pricey; around $65