Test Your Oil

[silver]

Over the years there have been different threads discussing testing oil quality rather than changing oil. I happen to see this device. I thought it was interesting. I am not advocating this device I just thought it was interesting.

[Brewhedd]

Not much of a description. I wonder what it tests for?

[Filthy Beast]

Buy Do it Yourself Engine or Motor Oil Analysis Kit Online - Lubricheck

[boowho]

Originally Posted by silver

Over the years there have been different threads discussing testing oil quality rather than changing oil. I happen to see this device. I thought it was interesting. I am not advocating this device I just thought it was interesting.

I'd love to try this, either by a professional test or using a DIY kit (if it's reliable and accurate).

I figure with only 6-7 miles per year it's a shame to have to spend $200+ annually for (possibly) unneeded oil changes.

Boowho??

[B47]

Originally Posted by Brewhedd

Not much of a description. I wonder what it tests for?

Been done for many years in both military and civil aviation aircraft engines and APU's.

Tests for bronze,iron, bearing materials and other metals.

I knew it as S.O.A.P. - Specometric(sp) Oil Analysis Program.

[boowho]

Originally Posted by B47

Been done for many years in both military and civil aviation aircraft engines and APU's.

Tests for bronze,iron, bearing materials and other metals.

I knew it as S.O.A.P. - Specometric(sp) Oil Analysis Program.

Brochure also says it tests for acidity (ph). I may chance $50 and buy one.

I know that some of the big OTR trucking outfits do it.

Boowho??

[Campin Cajun]

I've been working in the oil industry (drilling rigs) for 27 years. Every engine in the field gets the oil tested. Like B47 says, it's tested for certain metals in the oil. Kind of like a preventive maintenance. All fluids gets changed after a certain amount of hours on the engines, whether it needs it or not.

I feel differently about my own engines, especially the Cummins in my Berk, but I still do it once a year.

[Jim Schings]

IT IS A SCAM. "Rates your oil on a scale of 1 to 10" ? 1 to 10 in viscosity, viscosity index, additive package, metal, sulfur, contaminants, sequestering capability, detergent level, acidity? Maybe color? PLEASE guys. don't fall for this crap.. Send me a picture of your oil and I will send you back a number from 1 to 10....

[Jim Schings]

Look at their web site. As far as I can tell, it MAY measure acidity (easy to do) and metal content (also easy). They compare themselves to the testers used in NASCAR years ago. Those tested for metal content, since VERY thin oil was used for qualifying and often the cam was destroyed after a couple Q laps at 8500 RPM. Hopefully you aren't running the same way. Save your money. (OR, I can show you how to test for metal content like NASCAR...

[Jim Schings]

Send it to a proper analysis lab. You may even have a local one.