Has anyone used this oil analysis kit or something similar, and were the results useful? (Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with this product line or website and so far haven't purchased anything from them)
Engine Oil Analysis
- Thread starter NancyD
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oil analysis
Nancy I'm not trying to discourage you from doing this but only suggesting it is of limited value unless done routinely. One single oil analysis is usually meaningless. What is more meaningfulin terms of engine wear is the trend observed after having repeated analyses done over time. If you commit do doing it every year for example, it may be worth the cost. Even then, there are conditions to it's value, e.g., doing periodic analyses over differing engine intervals or, exaggeration for effect, immediately after changing the oil make the results less instructive. To be able to draw any real conclusions from the results, it is dependent on how representative the sampling is.
Nancy I'm not trying to discourage you from doing this but only suggesting it is of limited value unless done routinely. One single oil analysis is usually meaningless. What is more meaningfulin terms of engine wear is the trend observed after having repeated analyses done over time. If you commit do doing it every year for example, it may be worth the cost. Even then, there are conditions to it's value, e.g., doing periodic analyses over differing engine intervals or, exaggeration for effect, immediately after changing the oil make the results less instructive. To be able to draw any real conclusions from the results, it is dependent on how representative the sampling is.
Waste of money????
Unless you have reason to believe something is going on that shouldn't be, I think this is just a waste of money. Each and every make of diesel out there will run with little or no problems for thousands of hours, with regular basic maintenance. As Don stated, a one time analysis is not going to give you much useful info. and it needs to be done on a scheduled basis to be of any value at all. Just change your oil & filter regularly, keep the fuel filters clean, change your raw water impeller every year or two and the valves adjusted and enjoy your boat.
Unless you have reason to believe something is going on that shouldn't be, I think this is just a waste of money. Each and every make of diesel out there will run with little or no problems for thousands of hours, with regular basic maintenance. As Don stated, a one time analysis is not going to give you much useful info. and it needs to be done on a scheduled basis to be of any value at all. Just change your oil & filter regularly, keep the fuel filters clean, change your raw water impeller every year or two and the valves adjusted and enjoy your boat.
What an analysis can tell you.
I run analysis on two automobiles and have for some time. It can tell you if you have a coolant leak. It can tell you if you are waiting too long to change your oil. It can tell you if the engine is really in bad shape. It can tell you if a modification you made to the engine breather is bad or good. One I made was bad and was immediately converted back. I would not buy a boat without doing an oil analysis. It cost about 22.50 for a basis analysis with Blackstone. Just something to be done at the oil change interval. Just an extra check like dry/wet compression or leakdown test. See link. http://www.blackstone-labs.com/. Here is a site to help with analysis of results. http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/
I run analysis on two automobiles and have for some time. It can tell you if you have a coolant leak. It can tell you if you are waiting too long to change your oil. It can tell you if the engine is really in bad shape. It can tell you if a modification you made to the engine breather is bad or good. One I made was bad and was immediately converted back. I would not buy a boat without doing an oil analysis. It cost about 22.50 for a basis analysis with Blackstone. Just something to be done at the oil change interval. Just an extra check like dry/wet compression or leakdown test. See link. http://www.blackstone-labs.com/. Here is a site to help with analysis of results. http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/
Reassuring
I've used the diagnostic kit cited by the inquiry. Interpretation of the rings suggested all was well. Had a problem with reading it and asked the company, which responded promptly. Kenny H's reply suggests worst-case scenarios that make the analysis worth its weight in... well, oil.
I've used the diagnostic kit cited by the inquiry. Interpretation of the rings suggested all was well. Had a problem with reading it and asked the company, which responded promptly. Kenny H's reply suggests worst-case scenarios that make the analysis worth its weight in... well, oil.
more for less money
NAPA auto stores sell a test kit (bottle and mailer) for less money and the lab that analyzes the one or two oz of oil gives you far more information. I've use it each Fall before an oil change and the pattern of info is useful. Truck fleets use the service. Allan
NAPA auto stores sell a test kit (bottle and mailer) for less money and the lab that analyzes the one or two oz of oil gives you far more information. I've use it each Fall before an oil change and the pattern of info is useful. Truck fleets use the service. Allan
Save your money
I have spent the last 35 years learning, engineering and teaching about diesels. I wouldn't waste my money on a self diagnostic kit such as the one advertised. There are good oil analysis companies (for one, look up Stavely services in your area) that will sell you a sample bottle for about $15.00 or so. They look very closely at several key items and then give you a report spelling out what you should be concerned about if there is anything unusual that shows up in the sample tested. One sample doesn't tell a lot unless there is something already wrong. Several samples over a period of time will give you a better picture. Having said all this. I have a Catalina 30 with 3 cylinder universal diesel. I haven't had an analysis done and probably will not bother.
I have spent the last 35 years learning, engineering and teaching about diesels. I wouldn't waste my money on a self diagnostic kit such as the one advertised. There are good oil analysis companies (for one, look up Stavely services in your area) that will sell you a sample bottle for about $15.00 or so. They look very closely at several key items and then give you a report spelling out what you should be concerned about if there is anything unusual that shows up in the sample tested. One sample doesn't tell a lot unless there is something already wrong. Several samples over a period of time will give you a better picture. Having said all this. I have a Catalina 30 with 3 cylinder universal diesel. I haven't had an analysis done and probably will not bother.
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