Oil analysis company recommendations?

Bmachine

Bmachine

Well-Known Member
Site Donor $
Site Donor $$
Messages
3,677
Reaction score
1,951
Location
Northern California coast
I thought for sure the subject would have been addressed already but a Search on the forum yielded no answer...

I am hearing some knocking coming from my engine. Per @sfdon suggestion I took the filter out and saved whatever was in the filter housing and want to send it for oil analysis.

A web search mentions Polaris, Blackstone and WIX/ALS. Not sure what their differences are tbh

Does anyone have any experience in that regard?

Thank you very much
 
I’ve only used Blackstone so I can’t compare and contrast but it’s easy and convenient and reasonable turnaround time and price. You get a nice report about wear items and water in the oil and viscosity breakdown by the numbers and a nice written paragraph of explanation, easy to understand.
 

Attachments

  • BlackstoneReport.pdf
    17 KB · Views: 60
I’ve used Blackstone whenever I wanted an oil analysis. If you have a particular concern or question you can mention it when you send in your sample and they’ll address it. I once sent in a sample for an engine that I had previously thought had rod bearings that were starting to tick, and they told me everything was good.
 
Excellent info guys. I've received 4 thumbs up for Blackstone so that sounds like the winner.

They send you a free collection kit by mail and then you pay $35 which seems reasonable to me
 
Blackstone is excellent. Check with them before you send the sample to make sure USPS still accepts samples. When I sent my sample in, the USPS clerk was adamant that they could not accept motor oil for mailing - they were wrong. Motor oil was not listed in their prohibited substances list.
 
Arde said:
I did it for the Fulvia, I am still waiting for the results.
If they tell me you have a 4 cylinder Aluminum engine with a carburetor, I would be disappointed...
Click to expand...


maybe they answer you with a "congrats its is going to be a baby-girl" (kidding)

but this looks so scientific !

1718095689938.png
 
My analysis came back, wow, some many elements it looks like a periodic table!
The note says:
Universal averages for this engine type are still in the works, but lead, and possibly iron, look a bit high. Iron comes from steel parts, and lead can show bearing wear (or blow-by fromleaded/race fuel, if used recently). Low oil pressure/engine knock are two common signs of a bearing issue.
If sodium is from coolant, that could be adding to wear. Potassium (the other coolant marker) is low though,so sodium may just be additive in the oil. Monitor for coolant loss as a precaution. The oil's low viscosity is okay -- fuel wasn't to blame. Check back in 1,000 km.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top