Oil Analysis

Larry · Mar 2, 2003

I am planning to start having my oil analyzed. The Cat3126 has 400,000+ miles on it and I want to know what parts are wearing. My understanding is that by comparing results, you can look at metal contents in the oil and see if specific parts (bearings, cams, pistons, etc) are beginning to leave excessive metal particles in the oil. It will take several test to begin to determine what is happening. It will also help determine if it needs to be changed more often. Right now I change oil at about 8,000 miles, along with getting the truck lubed.
My question is, how do I get this done. Do I ask the people that change the oil to put a portion of the drainage in a clean container that I supply?? Can I take the sample to my local Cat dealer for analysis, or do I take it some other place?

Thanks. Drive Safe.

Do you know that OOIDA has designated June as "drive legal month". Do you know what that is all about? You should check it out.

RichM · Mar 2, 2003

Go to Speed Co for oil analysis,it will cost you about $15.00.I get most of my oil changes at Speedco and about 3-4 times a year get a oil anlysis.You can compare various minerals such as copper building up.This would give you a idea as too how the bearings are holding up.One important thing I think is too always get your analysis done at about the same mileage on your oil from the last analysis.You do not want to get an analysis done when the oil is fresh but at least halfway through your change cycle so that containments get a chance to build up.If you are changing every 8,000 maybe 6,000 would be a good interval,also use the same brand of oil. I use Rotella and have always been satisfied with it.

Larry · Mar 4, 2003

I am based out of the Detroit area. Where is Speedco? Do they mail the analysis results to your office/home? How much does it cost?

Thanks.

Drive Safe

RichM · Mar 4, 2003

There is a Speedco in the Toledo area on I 280 near the Petro.
They charge about $15.00 and will give you the results in about 15 minutes.If you always go to the same Speedco for your analysis they will give you a printout comparing the analysis to your last one.I carry mine with me in my Maintenance folder and compare the various categories.They look at 17 different properties .Example is Glycol which is a anti freeze chemical,if that was showing up in your oil chances are you have a head gasket leak.Worth the effort and costs for peace of mind.

guest · Mar 16, 2003

I've been using Blackstone Laboratories in Fort Wayne IN for a couple years.. They'll send you some empty sample kits for free.. They get $18.50 and do a real good job, plus they keep track of previous reports and list them side by side with the current one.. Very clear and consise results. I also have them do my transmission fluid as well.

yankee0177 · Jun 6, 2003

you can go to any cat dealer and they can pull a oil sampel out and seed it off for you they will mail you a copy ..
with the mile you have i would watch for black fuel whitch is the inj
most of the time!! ??
coolant in your fuel inj sleevs
keep the vavle adj 1 a year
check turbo for move ment front to back !!! they will move a little
side to side !!! and check for oil

JeffJensen · Jun 6, 2003

Here is the link to an article about Oil Analysis that we did a short while ago.

http://www.expeditersonline.com/artman/publish/article_162.html

Hope it helps!

Jeff Jensen

tughillrunner · Aug 30, 2003

We contacted Brian @ BND Automotive 440-821-9040/[email protected]. They have an oil analysis kit that costs around 25.00 that gives you all the specs you are looking for.

Iron, Chromium, Lead, tin, silver, aluminum, Kinematic Viscosity, soot etc. It is the best 25.00 you will ever spend. Also, talk to them about their QuantumBlue Oil Catalysts. You can add them to your favorite oil and reduce wear by 90% and Friction by 40%. We run Mini-Vans and carry 1500-2000 lbs around all the time and drive 70-75 mph all over the state of Ohio. We go 10,000 on our oil in GASOLINE vehicles.

Our most recent mileage was 10,095 miles, and the lab said that we don't have to change anything that we are doing now. Diesel you should be able to go between 10,000 and 18,000 before a change.

Tug.

Weave · Aug 31, 2003

Oil analysis was designed as a tool to detect wear of internal engine parts before they reach the point of failure. You are taking a gamble if you are using this tool to extend oil change intervals well beyond what the recommended oil change interval is from the engine manufacturer. In other words, oil analysis it is NOT a know all-tell all thing, and was not intended as such. I certainly would not run a small displacement gasoline engine over 10K miles without changing its oil.
Be cautious of anyone trying to show and tell you magic when it comes to your equipment.
-Weave-