Notices
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DP Tuner

Oil Analysis Labs?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 4, 2008 | 01:05 PM
  #1  
ITA47's Avatar
ITA47
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: S.W. Missouri
Oil Analysis Labs?

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?
 
Reply
Old Dec 4, 2008 | 01:38 PM
  #2  
HKusp's Avatar
HKusp
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,760
Likes: 27
From: Hampton, Maryland.
Club FTE Gold Member
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....
 
Reply
Old Dec 4, 2008 | 01:50 PM
  #3  
F250_'s Avatar
F250_
Hotshot
15 Year Member
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Liked
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,288
Likes: 269
From: North of Greenville
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.
 
Reply
Old Dec 4, 2008 | 03:26 PM
  #4  
dvfd12's Avatar
dvfd12
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Sherman, IL
I've been using Blackstone and I'm satisfied with them. They are kind of pricey though.
 
Reply
Old Dec 4, 2008 | 05:01 PM
  #5  
jtharvey's Avatar
jtharvey
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,413
Likes: 1
From: Columbia, MO
Originally Posted by HKusp
I currently use blackstone, but Schaeffers does it for about $7.
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.
 
Reply
Old Dec 4, 2008 | 05:12 PM
  #6  
rbaker6336's Avatar
rbaker6336
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,191
Likes: 4
From: Blairsville,Ga
if you have an oil bulk plant close by they normally have test kits,or a Caterpillar dealer
 
Reply
Old Dec 4, 2008 | 05:36 PM
  #7  
jrciii56's Avatar
jrciii56
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 751
Likes: 0
From: Greeneville,TN
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.
 
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2008 | 10:08 AM
  #8  
ITA47's Avatar
ITA47
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: S.W. Missouri
Bump... Does anyone know of any other? I just changed my oil and would like to get an analysis on the old oil.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

5 BEST / 5 WORST Ford Daily Drivers of the 21st Century

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

10 Fords to Drive Before You Die

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / Worst Features Of The 2025+ Ford Expedition

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

 Brett Foote
story-5

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-8

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-9

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
Old Dec 7, 2008 | 11:09 AM
  #9  
SpringerPop's Avatar
SpringerPop
Hotshot
Veteran: Air Force
20 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 17,988
Likes: 207
From: La La Land
Club FTE Silver Member

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

Pop
 
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2008 | 06:50 AM
  #10  
firemediceric's Avatar
firemediceric
Tuned
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 461
Likes: 1
For me, Dyson Labs it the ticket. Great personal service, very thorough and knowledgable, but pricey; around $65
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:31 PM.

story-0
5 BEST / 5 WORST Ford Daily Drivers of the 21st Century

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford daily drivers of the 21st century.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-23 08:55:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Fords to Drive Before You Die

Slideshow: 10 Fords to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-22 14:29:44


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / Worst Features Of The 2025+ Ford Expedition

The latest Expedition is quite popular, but it certainly isn't perfect.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-22 14:23:19


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-5
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-7
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE