getting oil tested
 

seen posts. how do i do this? is it available thru auto parts stores? how much is needed?

id like to know what the point of oil analysis is

To tell you what is going on inside that engine. Also great to use as an indicator of when you really should be changing your oil. The test reveals the contents of the oil which are very useful in determining this. For instance, if the test shows water is in the oil then you may have a cracked head or a headgasket that leaks. Also, several chemical tests reveal the condition of many aspects of the oil which determine how close to "new" it is - basically, if it is still usable as a good engine lubricant or not. This is what many companies with fleets use to determine their oil change intervals. I've even used it myself. I was skeptical of Amsoi's claim that its synthetic oils are good for 25,000 miles between changes until an oil analysis of the oil in my [now sold] Toyota Avalon revealed that even after not changing the oil for 25,000 miles, it was still good for continued use!! :eek: Truly amazing.

You can purchase an oil analysis kit from Amsoil here: https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=98

Blackstone Labs
 

You can also get one done at Blackstone Labs.

Link

They send you a sample collection kit with Instructions, send it back and in less than a week you will get the results emailed to you for $20. I just sent one off for my 300SD. I changed the oil when I first bought it, and this is the first chnage since then, so I'm interested to find out what the results will be.

-Adam

I'd like to make another recommendation for Blackstone Labs, they have very complete analyseses, and are very well respected among the oil community. Plus, they have a great 'plain english' explanation along with their reports, and they keep records on your car, so they can help you look for patterns, which helps a lot.

A typical pattern for someone wanting to get the most out of their oil (especially if they are using a higher quality synthetic) is to get an oil sample at the 'regular' change time, aka 3,000 miles. Then if the oil is good, take another sample at 5,000, then 7,000, etc. just taking samples at regular intervals. They'll let you know when it needs to be changed, and where your engine is wearing.

Once you've figured out how long your car can go on a change, you can just keep doing that interval, you don't need to get an analysis every oil change. You may want to get one periodically to see if anything is abnormally wearing out, but you could do it once every 20k or something, after your first tests.

By measuring the levels of certain chemicals in the oil, the labs can actually predict things like blown head gaskets, bottom end wear, valve seal wear, etc. Its actually quite amazing what they can deduce from the materials they find in your oil.

Peace,
sam

Thats an interesting post--a local small aircraft pilot here in Miami who I purchased a BMW MC from had this done(on the bike he sold me) at a local airport-don't recall if it was the Lab you mentioned but he told me he religiously tests the Oil in his plane in the same way--per so many engine hours. Maybe it is part of the FAA Regs-I am not sure but he was a big fan of this oil lab sample testing. For the $20 fee it would be well worth it considering the downside and high repair bills. :sun_smile

thanks
 

i have ordered a kit from blackstone.

has anyone done concurrent tests between amsoil and blackstone? do they report the same reults?

That would be interesting. However I'm sure the results should be similar, with negligible differences between their data as those analysis are based on standardized chemical tests. I just stick to Amsoil with whatever I have to do or need, that they offer.

I have used Blackstone Lab and didn't like the report as well as the one from AV Lube and AV Lub is also a Mobil 1 product dealer. George there at AV Lube is a diesel VW owner and forum member on the TDI Club forum.

I like Oilguard. Their kits are $10 each if you buy 3. Cheaper with more quantity. You get data on wear metals, contaminants, viscosity, and TBN.

http://www.oilguard.com/Merchant4/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=mtm&Category_Code=ok

have you noticed
 

that everyone of old navys new friends are tdi owners?
hey walt. its 8f in the drive way and 3 out by the i. love that warming trend. :rolleyes:
good news. my semi white trash neighbor is moving to your town :) look for the 90's grand prix at a service station near you.

Man I sure upset a few people on one of the Dodge forums when I mentioned the fact that the Magnum/Chrysler 300 has MB platform & parts. I got called a liar and one halfwit even called me "smarty pant's" so I told the inbred buch that I didn't suffer fools and would not be back. :eek: :D On another Dodge forum the guys were trying to figure out where to get, an how to put a dipstick in the sealed tranny of their Magnum's & 300C's. One guy posted the procedure for flushing and checking the fill on the trans and was laughed off the thread. Looked just like the MB procedure I watched being done on a E class. So if no one objects with me still being a memeber with my half-breed D/C Magnum, I'll hang out here. :love:

I guess it will be a rust bucket GP from never having the salt washed off. :laugh:

39* high today, low 30* this morning, about the same scheduled for tomorrow. Getting in the mood for the spring GTG here, better bring Red back for a visit and not some stranger. :D

Got 26 MPG in the Magnum on a road trip this week, :D and I wasn't wore out like I would have been if I had taken Linda's little Jettta TDI. :eek:

Forgot to mention that I have been a member of the TDI forum for about 4 years.