Use of Oil Analysis Companies ?

Don · #1 (**permalink**) 06-04-2007, 06:21 AM

Anyone have any experience with the use of oil analysis companies, such as Oil Analysis Company:

http://youroil.net/index.html

fordracer · #2 (**permalink**) 06-04-2007, 06:59 AM

I can't answer your question but I did just send in my first sample to Oil Analysers,Inc. a week ago. They are the service that Amsoil uses.

http://www.oaitesting.com/index2.htm

DAVID GAGNARD · #3 (**permalink**) 06-04-2007, 11:03 AM

I've never bothered with having my oil tested, I just change it and always cut open the oil filter and inspect.......

A buddy that just recently retired from offshore work (mechanic) would send in a sample of oil from his daily driver (70 something Ranchero 351-W) when they sent in oil samples from the engines on the offshore rig, he found he could run 15,000 miles between needed oil changes and he did........

On my own cars/truck as well as my company car, I change the oil/filter every 4,000 miles, so far,my company car has "only" 348,650 miles on it, just had to replace the valve cover gasket this year!!!!

they don't make em like they used to!!!!

David

mn12 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-05-2007, 08:02 AM

I have done this multiple times when purchasing a boat with diesels and it is worth it's weight in those situations. I have never had this performed on a gasoline motor or outside the marine world for that matter

CobraEd · #5 (**permalink**) 06-05-2007, 08:10 AM

I have always wondered the value of this. Lets say the analysis shows that you have bearing wear or ring wear. So what are you gonna do, switch to another oil? If you are maintaining the engine already, there is nothing more that can be done.

fordracer · #6 (**permalink**) 06-06-2007, 07:33 PM

I just got my sample report back today from OAI, Oil Analyzers Inc.

First, it only cost $22.50, shipping included.

Second, I'm a little upset that they didn't send an explaination of the readings with the report. There is a PDF file on their web site explaining the report. Just a little extra unneeded step.

Third, it's pretty danged cool really. I did it on my daily driver, an '04 Infiniti G35. According to the results, my car hasn't even broken in yet and it's got 40,000 miles on it. The oil sample I sent in was 4,000 mile old Mobil 1. The report showed the viscosity index was still as new.

My reason for doing this, I read on a few autocross sites that Mobil changed the formula on Mobil 1 and is actually using a dino oil base now. I changed to Amsoil and after a couple of oil changes I'm going to test it again to see if there is any more or less wear. I'm probably also going to do my wife's 104,000 mi Accord just for fun.