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engine oil analysis?

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Created by bubble7777 > 9 months ago, 30 Sep 2014
bubble7777
QLD, 191 posts
30 Sep 2014 8:09PM
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are engine oil analysis worth doing? can they predict any issues or are they just snake oil?

something like this www.roktex.com.au/ where you send in a sample and they do some testing in a lab?



LooseChange
NSW, 2140 posts
30 Sep 2014 10:11PM
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Oil analysis is only worth doing if you do it religiously and at the same hourly intervals. The reports you get back will show you if a trend is developing in your engine. Personally I wouldn't bother, after all I ddn't do it for my car or motorbike. The lab will tell you that they are there to save your engine and that you must have it done to prevent catastrophic failure.

Use quality oils and filters and your engine will last just as long, providing you have a service schedule.

MorningBird
NSW, 2711 posts
30 Sep 2014 10:21PM
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I believe they can be valuable, but not necessarily needed. The test will tell you if there is metal in the oil and what type of metal. Oil will have metal in it, even with a new engine, but the oil test will tell you whether it is normal or an indication of major wear and in which area the wear is.
As an engine wears it makes noises and if it is worn enough to fail an oil test you should be able to hear a problem. A good engine person can hear most problems such as bearing noises, piston slap etc as soon as they start. Use a big screwdriver held on the engine and with the other end against your ear as a stethoscope. Listen at idle, increasing and decreasing revs and under load. You should only hear wurring sounds, no knocks, slaps or rumbles.
Other symptoms such as poor starting, low power, low oil pressure also give pending major problems away.
If it is ok using these tests an oil test is, in my view, unnecessary.

Jolene
WA, 1624 posts
30 Sep 2014 8:52PM
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Big earthmoving gear, piston powered aircraft and Collins class submarines owners benefit from oil analysis. Where engine failure cost big dollars, causes death or huge embarrassment. I agree with what MorningBird said.

bubble7777
QLD, 191 posts
1 Oct 2014 7:38PM
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thanks for the input guys..

hg02 has offered to send up a oil analysis set and get it done at his work .. again hg02 goes above and beyond.. top bloke

if only he would accept my home made moon shine in return for the favours but he doesn't seem to want to partake in the damage it may cause

HG02
VIC, 5814 posts
1 Oct 2014 9:46PM
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Select to expand quote
bubble7777 said..
thanks for the input guys..

hg02 has offered to send up a oil analysis set and get it done at his work .. again hg02 goes above and beyond.. top bloke

if only he would accept my home made moon shine in return for the favours but he doesn't seem to want to partake in the damage it may cause


Ive no brain cells left Bubble Im running of just a couple of cells so I need them badly. Ciscos Rum took most of mine years ago
I own a B.O.A.T= $$$$$$ that keeps me poor and busy



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"engine oil analysis?" started by bubble7777