is oil analysis worth it?

[tomtom1988]

I am thinking about getting an oil analysis on my truck. All I want to know is what labs are out there and is it worth it?

[txab]

They are worth it in my opinion, if you want to find out:

 

condition of a motor

how well a type/brand of an oil performs

an oil change interval that fits your driving habits

 

 

Blackstone Labs

[tomtom1988]

Thanks

[greg74]

How much does something like that cost?

[kstruckcountry]

$20

[tomtom1988]

Thanks

[dard6555]

Is there a particular place that's better than the other to do it?

[Colossus]

Some think Blackstone does well.. but there are many good reputable places.

[00Silverado4x4]

I'm curious as to how often do/should you get this testing done? I've never had a test done on any of my vehicles but if I were to start....?

[kstruckcountry]

I just do it every oil change. I started with a 5000 mile interval, they recommended 7500 based on that sample, and now 10,0000.

[Black02Silverado]

I use Dyson Analysis. Terry is a Navy Veteran and has over 35 years of independent oil analysis interpretation and consultation work. What I like with his full service is that he will send you a PDF of your used oil analysis and a .wav file of him explaining each and every wear indicator. This way you just don't get a short five line paragaph but a good 3 to 5 minute or so interpitation of your UOA. Plus you can contact him via e-mail if you have any questions or even call him.

 

As for how often, depends on the results and vehicles. Like posted above you can have a UOA done at each oil change to see how far you can go on an oil change.

[1997SierraSLT]

in my humble opinion, no it's not worth it. It's assumed your truck is a 1993 model, so it will most likely have very high mileage. I'd drive it till it dies and if it's oil leaker, oil is cheap to purchase and periodically top off if needed.

 

If you have an oil analysis performed and the results come back indicating greater than normal metal particulates and/or contaminents are present, are you going to perform a complete tear down and rebuild of your engine? I sure in the heck wouldn't.

 

I'd only tear into an engine that old if for some reason it wouldn't pass a smog inspection or if you have quite the oil burner going down the road and it's spewing out grey smoke, or you're losing a quart every 1000 miles driven due to a massive oil leak from the main seals, etc.

[RyanbabZ71]

I'm curious as to how often do/should you get this testing done? I've never had a test done on any of my vehicles but if I were to start....?

I did my Camaro this past spring, since I change oil once a year that's is when I plan to do the analysis.

 

Need to do one on my truck last time forgot until after I drained the oil.

 

 

Ryan

[Colossus]

I think every 10,000-20,000 miles fine for vehicles under 150,000 miles under normal driving condition, unless they are noticing possible issues, in which case you may want to get it done every oil change until things smooth out.