Engine oil Analysis before buying a bus?

[Sebulba]

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

[Utahclaimjumper]

Oil analysis only gives you a trending look unless you catch it before it is changed..>>>Dan

[DoubleEagle]

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.

[luvrbus]

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

[chessie4905]

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.

[luvrbus]

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 

[Sebulba]

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

[Sebulba]

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

[Sebulba]

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

[Sebulba]

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