Oil analysis

[StarPD]

Be advised that engine oil analysis is not always clearly definitive.Unless done regularly, it doesn't tell much except sometimes for impending catastrophic failure of components. A single test will only disclose metals and silicon (dirt/0 in the oil. Many of the metals are actually additives. Each oil marketer uses different additives that can contain some metals, and different types of oil have different additives for the application. For example, some diesel rated oils contain copper, which unless known and monitored, COULD otherwise indicate excess bearing wear.

But regular analysis can provide a chart which reveals the increase or decrease in materials which may or may not be contaminants. It will usually disclose the condition of air filtering based on the amount of silicon in the oil. Most labs will provide charts which record a history of all readings, and is updated with each new reading, showing all previous readings. This helps in monitoring wear as the vehicle ages.

Sampling MUST be done according to the analyzer's instructions, with oil hot, using ONLY the lab's containers, and after ignoring the initial outflow before obtaining the sample.

I used to get oil analysis every time I changed oil in my Suzuki GS 1100 and 1150s. They gave me a good reading of the engine condition, and while metals changed from break in, once the bikes were broken in , readings stabilized. When I switched to a different oil, readings changed, then stabilized after one or two oil changes. The lab told me that analysis is best used to discover serious wear problems, and to monitor engine wear over long periods. It's expensive to do regularly though.

My suggestion is that unless serious engine damages is suspected, oil analysis be done only when purchasing a used car. The lab can advise if any metals are beyond what should be expected from a given oil in a given engine for a particular OCI. That can indicate overall engine condition, but is not fail safe, for it is an indication of condition at the time, and can't accurately predict near future component failures.

I'm not saying to not use oil analysis. I'm saying if you do, approach it informed of what it can and can't do for you.

[qship96]

it is all about trending your results of your specific car.it helps to start with a virgin oil analysis of the specific oil you use to get baseline of the new oil.Getting a TBN report will also help determine how long your oil lasts in your specific engine with your specific operating conditions.