Oil Analysis; Anyone ever done it?

[Mugzilla]

Getting ready for my second oil change. I love this car, and will keep it for awhile.

Anyone ever do the "Send us a sample of your oil, and we'll tell you all sorts of stuff" oil analysis?

Like from these guys:

https://www.speediagnostix.com/shop/p/standard-drain-sample-kit

 

[up4speed]

I did it, and used Blackstone labs.
I wanted a baseline. But I probably did it too soon, because certain metals were a little elevated (compared to average for that engine). They said it was totally normal results for an engine with less than 4,000 miles. So I would wait until it has at least 4,000 miles. I'm going to do it again at about 6,000 miles to get a proper baseline, and then maybe every 20,000 miles or so, just to keep an eye on it.

 

[MacCool]

I do oil analysis routinely (Blackstone) on the Lycoming engine in my airplane just as I cut open the oil filter to closely examine the paper element for metal particles and borescope each cylinder. I’m very invested in identifying trends that might indicate engine conditions that could lead to a failure. If that were to happen, I can’t just pull off the road and call a tow truck…my life depends on the health of that engine. Bear in mind that a single report means little, but over over several oil changes the trend can be very meaningful. In addition to the obvious safety aspect, it's in my financial interest to get the engine to its 2200-hour recommended TBO (time between overhaul) and put off that $15,000 - $20,000 overhaul expense. Even simple stuff like valves, pistons, cylinder runs into 5 figures. Maintenance is key.

That said, I’ve never had the oil in my car analysed because I think it would be a pointless waste of money for a typical-use road vehicle. Catastrophic oil-related engine failures in non-racing trucks and automobiles are extraordinarily rare and the consequence of such an event is mere inconvenience rather than being a life-threatening event. I would do oil analysis if I had extensive engine mods and/or raced the car frequently without a sponsor.

On the other hand…a standard oil analysis from Blackstone is $35 and it does give the “enthusiast” something to geek out over, so perhaps not a waste for some of us. Bear in mind that it's the trend that's useful. It's not useful to freak out over a single bad oil analysis.

Example report....my last oil analysis from Blackstone. Their narrative summary compares to previous reports and is very useful. In addition, they're happy to take phone calls to discuss if desired. The process is simple...go to their website and order some testing kits. The kits are free, you pay when you send in the oil sample.

 

[Loco38SUP]

I use Blackstone Labs for my Supra. I’ve had 4 reports completed since buying new. If anything its good data to build on as the engine gets higher in mileage.

Side note: their system is a little quirky on filling out the oil sample card and finding it on their website. But other than that they have been good to work with.

-RJM

 

[SneauxMan762]

I do oil analysis routinely (Blackstone) on the Lycoming engine in my airplane just as I cut open the oil filter to closely examine the paper element for metal particles and borescope each cylinder. I’m very invested in identifying trends that might indicate engine conditions that could lead to a failure. If that were to happen, I can’t just pull off the road and call a tow truck…my life depends on the health of that engine. Bear in mind that a single report means little, but over over several oil changes the trend can be very meaningful. In addition to the obvious safety aspect, it's in my financial interest to get the engine to its 2200-hour recommended TBO (time between overhaul) and put off that $15,000 - $20,000 overhaul expense. Even simple stuff like valves, pistons, cylinder runs into 5 figures. Maintenance is key.

That said, I’ve never had the oil in my car analysed because I think it would be a pointless waste of money for a typical-use road vehicle. Catastrophic oil-related engine failures in non-racing trucks and automobiles are extraordinarily rare and the consequence of such an event is mere inconvenience rather than being a life-threatening event. I would do oil analysis if I had extensive engine mods and/or raced the car frequently without a sponsor.

On the other hand…a standard oil analysis from Blackstone is $35 and it does give the “enthusiast” something to geek out over, so perhaps not a waste for some of us. Bear in mind that it's the trend that's useful. It's not useful to freak out over a single bad oil analysis.

Example report....my last oil analysis from Blackstone. Their narrative summary compares to previous reports and is very useful. In addition, they're happy to take phone calls to discuss if desired. The process is simple...go to their website and order some testing kits. The kits are free, you pay when you send in the oil sample.

Good to know and much appreciated on the info! If you ever touch down around South Louisiana I can get you some good bore scoping from a Lyco Cert.