Whats the process for oil analysis?

[ChuckMC8]

I want to have an oil analysis on the engine that I'm contemplating purchacing, but I've never done the oil analysis thing before. Where do you buy the kit and how do I take the sample? How much oil and where does it have to come from on the engine? How long does it take for the results of the test?  Thanks as always

[Ncbob]

Any major Engine Distributor or dealer can sell you the program, Chuck.  They furnish the containers and the pump and advise you how to take the sample.  You mail it in, it's approved by the USPS...and wait for the report which they will mail to your home of office.

Ususally it's not a one shot deal...they want you for a specific period of time..to be determined by the contract.

Otherwise a one time sample could get expensive.

My opinion?  If you were working in a lab which ran 1000's of samples through every month and it was a same old s--- every day....how enthusiastic could you get if you found a bit more copper than usual in the sample?  Not likely.  In today's world...if I were to give the lab a rating of 1-10 for being conscientious...I'd be conservative...like Simon...and give 'em a 5.

But then...I'm the eternal cynic!

Bob

[Torquester]

From what I've seen....about a two ounce sample taken at the oil change interval from a hot engine. Without historical data taken over time fairly useless.

hth, Tq

[ChuckMC8]

What I was thinking is that I could find out if there is coolant any in the oil. Can they tell that with one sample? I wasn't thinking so much as bearing particles and such. The engine that I'm considering is in a bus so that it can be started and ran. Without an oil analysis, what else can I check beside the obvious smoke & Knock stuff...its a 6V92. thanks

[OneLapper]

ChuckMC8, you can buy an oil analysis kit from Napa.  It's a very basic test but it'll give you the info you're looking for.  For more detail, your local John Deere dealer can get you a kit.  Costs about $75 from Deere, but the report is six pages long!

Mark