Oil Analysis

[KRUISIN]

Hi everyone, this is my first post (have been lurking for a long time). Was wondering if anyone here as considered using oil analysis as a maintenance tool?
I bought a 2001 PT and after getting it home I dropped the oil and sent a sample in to a lab to have it looked at. It came back fine and was pretty sure the previous owner had taken good care of the car.
With an oil analysis you can see what metals are in the oil, and at what ppm they showed up on the report. Also will tell you if there is any fuel or antifreeze in the oil and most important for people using extended oil drain periods the amount of acid in the oil. Also will flag any problems the lab sees as needing attention. Its not cheap, costing about 30 bucks a sample. But I run 2 to 3 samples a year just to use as a "checkup". Its peace of mind to me.....

[purple04]

Welcome to the forum! I've heard about it, but never tried it. I'd venture that it's mainly used in high cost or high stress situations.

[Hooligan]

Welcome to the Forum, KURSIN [^]!!!

We used that method to know when to change oil in our diesel engines when I was in the US Cost Guard 1959-1969. It worked then, no reason why it wouldn't work now.

My concern is IF there is a problem with the engine warranty, would DC acknowledge an oil analysis as proof of taking care of your engine as required in the Owners Manual.

[Grouch]

quote:Originally posted by Hooligan

Welcome to the Forum, KURSIN [^]!!!

We used that method to know when to change oil in our diesel engines when I was in the US Cost Guard 1959-1969. It worked then, no reason why it wouldn't work now.

My concern is IF there is a problem with the engine warranty, would DC acknowledge an oil analysis as proof of taking care of your engine as required in the Owners Manual.

To answer your question no. 99 % of the time something has to fail before it's replaced

[quicksilverdon]

Welcome, Cruisin.
Never had it done - wouldn't know where to go to get it done. I think it's an excellent idea.

[Jimbo]

KRUISIN,welcome to this forum.I never heard of an
oil analysis,but could see where they would really come in handy.

[KRUISIN]

Hi everyone and thanks for the welcome. I have been using a company out of Spokane, WA for the lab work (The Oil Analysis Lab Inc) or www.oillab.com . They send you out a oil collection kit which includes the sample bottle and box to mail it back (you pay the postage back), and an information form to fill out and send back with the sample that you just took. It takes about 2 to 3 weeks to get the report back. If you chose to continue to use that lab, they will track the samples on that engine for you. I forgot to mention that it will also tell you the amount of dirt in the oil (air filter) and give you a rundown of the additive package for that oil. This is an independent company so now slant towards any particular oil.
Man I sound like an advetistment for the company, sorry..... I just think that preventive maintenance is really important for the life of our cruisers...