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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Sebulba on June 22, 2021, 04:10:17 AM

Title: Engine oil Analysis before buying a bus?
Post by: Sebulba on June 22, 2021, 04:10:17 AM
Hello all,

Just thinking it may be a wise thing to get and engine oil analysis before buying. 

Am I missing something? 
Is this extreme? 
Is this not as indicative of issues as I may thing?

If this is a good idea, is there a testing company with a quick turnaround you can suggest?

Thanks

Seb
Title: Re: Engine oil Analysis before buying a bus?
Post by: Utahclaimjumper on June 22, 2021, 05:13:38 AM

Oil analysis only gives you a trending look unless you catch it before it is changed..>>>Dan
Title: Re: Engine oil Analysis before buying a bus?
Post by: DoubleEagle on June 22, 2021, 05:48:22 AM
It would be a prudent thing to do, the results won't be dramatic if everything is normal, or the oil has been recently changed, but it can catch unusual amounts of wear metals, antifreeze contamination. It should not replace careful inspection and road testing.
Title: Re: Engine oil Analysis before buying a bus?
Post by: luvrbus on June 22, 2021, 06:22:34 AM
Have someone pull the engine info from the ECM it tells a lot,the engine life history is in that box,if it hasn't been changed ,better check the B500 Allison too
Title: Re: Engine oil Analysis before buying a bus?
Post by: chessie4905 on June 22, 2021, 08:28:23 AM
careful on oil analysis. owner may have just changed it, and info wont be accurate. But good idea for finding issues. Trouble is, most are too emotionally involved to do serious check out.
Title: Re: Engine oil Analysis before buying a bus?
Post by: luvrbus on June 22, 2021, 09:16:51 AM
Oil sample are good if you have a base line from previous oil change,even with fresh oil one will show coolant and diesel fuel in the oil and that is about all it will show 
Title: Re: Engine oil Analysis before buying a bus?
Post by: Sebulba on June 22, 2021, 11:26:39 AM
Quote from: DoubleEagle on June 22, 2021, 05:48:22 AM
It would be a prudent thing to do, the results won't be dramatic if everything is normal, or the oil has been recently changed, but it can catch unusual amounts of wear metals, antifreeze contamination. It should not replace careful inspection and road testing.

Yes, indeed.

Seb
Title: Re: Engine oil Analysis before buying a bus?
Post by: Sebulba on June 22, 2021, 11:28:31 AM
Quote from: luvrbus on June 22, 2021, 06:22:34 AM
Have someone pull the engine info from the ECM it tells a lot,the engine life history is in that box,if it hasn't been changed ,better check the B500 Allison too

Aaahhaa, ok, good suggestion, but from the way you said that, it could be changed?

Seb
Title: Re: Engine oil Analysis before buying a bus?
Post by: Sebulba on June 22, 2021, 11:30:22 AM
Quote from: chessie4905 on June 22, 2021, 08:28:23 AM
careful on oil analysis. owner may have just changed it, and info wont be accurate. But good idea for finding issues. Trouble is, most are too emotionally involved to do serious check out.

Of course.  Buyer beware :-\

Seb
Title: Re: Engine oil Analysis before buying a bus?
Post by: Sebulba on June 22, 2021, 11:31:45 AM
Quote from: luvrbus on June 22, 2021, 09:16:51 AM
Oil sample are good if you have a base line from previous oil change,even with fresh oil one will show coolant and diesel fuel in the oil and that is about all it will show

It seems that it would have quite limited usefulness.

Seb