Used Oil Analysis - Where and How Much $$$?

White95Max · 12-03-05, 05:40

I've heard about people sending oil samples in for a UOA, but where do you send the samples to have this done?
And how much does it cost?
How long does it take to get the results back to you?

And what exactly do they tell you from the testing?

jchetty · 12-03-05, 06:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by White95Max

I've heard about people sending oil samples in for a UOA, but where do you send the samples to have this done?
And how much does it cost?
How long does it take to get the results back to you?

And what exactly do they tell you from the testing?

blackstome labs

$20 for basic, you can add on stuff..they can test you tranny fluid to

White_F150 · 12-03-05, 06:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by White95Max

I've heard about people sending oil samples in for a UOA, but where do you send the samples to have this done?
And how much does it cost?
How long does it take to get the results back to you?

And what exactly do they tell you from the testing?

White95,

You can probably find several places to send it at this site (BOBISTHEOILGUY):

http://theoildrop.server101.com/

If you think the folks here are crazy about detailing, wait until you see how "crazy" these folks are about oil and oil filters and such.

White95Max · 12-03-05, 07:32

So what are the benefits of sending a sample in for a UOA?

truzoom · 12-03-05, 07:36

Maxy, I believe you'll get a report that lists the amount of certain elements in the oil. I haven't been on BITOG in months, but the report looks like this:

...
Magnesium 4.4
Silicon 2.1
Boron 2.5
...

I think then you have to go to BITOG to figure out what it means to have certain amounts of certain things in your oil.

It helps if you are very picky about what's going on inside that engine block, but it may just cause you excessive heartburn from the things those guys on BITOG say. Some are very particular about the presence of XX in your oil and will tell you all sorts of everything about nothing.

As long as you're maintaining the Protege like a typical Autopian (which I know you are), then that $20 can go towards more detailing products.

Dacali · 12-03-05, 07:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by White95Max

So what are the benefits of sending a sample in for a UOA?

A few off the top of my head... It may

Detect early problems with the car (Air filter leaks, seal leaks, etc.)
Tell you how much life your oil has left for extended OCIs. (Need TBN)
Tell you how your engine is wearing

You may need to get someone to analyze it to make sense of the data though.

-Dacali

rjstaaf · 12-03-05, 07:59

Here is an image of a UOA I had done last year. The most basic things it will tell you are first, wear metal content in the oil, insolubles in the oil (generally indicates poor air filtration), fuel dilution, antifreeze dilution, acid buildup from combustion gases and moisture, viscosity of the used oil (useful for seeing if your oil is or is not holding its viscosity), there is more if you get more extensive tests done. Used oil analysis is a great tool for diagnosing many different problems before you would ever see them through conventional means. For it to be usefull though they need to be done on a regular basis so you can see trends.

flatstick · 12-04-05, 02:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by White95Max

So what are the benefits of sending a sample in for a UOA?

Well the UOA debate will forever rage on. myself I use them and am glad I did. I just got one of my UOA'S back and they detected a high level of k ( Potassium) this is an indication of Dex-cool making it's way into the oil. seems my truck has developed an intake manifold leak. there are no signs of an external leak anywhere. it is going to cost a couple hundred to get it fixed but it beats several thousand for a new motor. I also like the fact that I can tune my oil , air filter and oci's to add to a longer life for my motor. take it for what it's worth but I know is has proven itself to me. I think more Autopians should take a peek at Bitog. they have done extensive tests on oil and air filters and what they find may shock you.

White95Max · 12-04-05, 10:52

I haven't been to BITOG in a while, but I will make it over there tonight to do some searching.