Oil analysis

[akroyaleagle]

I posted this in another thread that had drifted very far from the original post. I realized it was buried and not searchable so here it is in it's own thread.


I really don't understaqnd the reluctance to do analysis programs. They are so cheap and provide so much peace of mind and information.

The cost of major breakdowns in these beasts can be astronomical. It's 5 gallons of fuel! 30 miles! each oil change.

I know a lot of folks that use the program to advise them when to change the oil. Oil changes are expensive (even if self done), a $20 investment could prolong the need for a long time.

I do one on the 740 when I change the fluid also.

I haven't done one on the differential because I run straight Lucas in it. I did check the lube when I drained it for fuzz or parts with numbers on them. Didn't find any.

I also use rare earth magnets I got at Quartzite on all the pans near the drains on all my vehicles. If there is any fuzz or metal, it will be right at the drain hole, held by the magnet. Remove the magnet, catch the first bit of fluid and inspect.

Works for me! Maybe left over from helicopter maintenance.

[luvrbus]

LOL I go to extreme I take one on the power steering about every 2 years if it has any type fluids I take one and send it to CAT 

[akroyaleagle]

I didn't do that when I changed mine Clifford. But I will next time! I might just take one for info soon!

[Ed Hackenbruch]

Well i just posted on the other thread.  I also do oil samples when i change the oil each year.

[HB of CJ]

Also it is a good cheap way to kinda make sure any used stuff is OK.  This would include potential used engines, transmissions and rear ends with the various oils still in them.   I also suppose it would work with used power steering pumps, particularly if the used unit is still hooked up in the used vehicle.  HB of CJ (old coot)

[opus]

I do 'em!

[RJ]

Suggestions on where to get the oil analysis kits, please, gentlemen?

TIA,

[Scott Crosby]

http://www.jglubricantservices.com/online_store.html

This is where I get mine done.  Tom goes over the report with me line by line explaining what everything is.  He really goes the extra mile in the customer service department.  Might be some cheaper companies out there, I never looked because of the over the top customer service is so wonderful.  I do my engine and trans.

[luvrbus]

Your local CAT dealer most have in house labs in larger areas but have mail in also,Cat was the pioneer in oil sampling years back fwiw 

[bronson]

Napa has many choices. Here is one. Haven't used one of these yet but plan on it when I pull my bus out of storage in the spring.

[luvrbus]

For the 1st time doing a sample here is a site that has some great info www.machinerylubrication.com when you boil it down a bus is a piece of machinery IMO

[Ed Hackenbruch]

I get mine done at a Freightliner repair shop. 

[sparkplug188]

One question-- My bus has been driven less than 1000 miles in the past 10 years.  Will that make an oil test inconclusive?

[rip]

I use lab one inc.in Phx.AZ.If you call them you buy a box of 10 then send the sample in the mail.The total cost is around $11.00 a sample.I have called them a few times with questions about the results and they are very helpful. Good company.
      Don

[luvrbus]

RIP that is a good lab I use them sometimes when in Phoenix they are big into aircraft not that many labs around certified for aircraft and oil co's