MapisM
Well-known member
As per title - can anyone recommend a good one?
Tx in advance!
Tx in advance!
Lab for engine oil analysis
- Thread starter MapisM
- Start date
aquapower
New member
I have always used CAT sampling packs, good reliable service and I can log in and check past results as well
Bat21
Member
I have used The oil lab a couple of times, the service has been quick and efficient. www.theoillab.co.uk/
MapisM
Well-known member
Sorry, wazzat? Never heard of it.
Anders_P42
Member
NorthUp
Active member
rafiki_
Well-known member
+1. You buy the pack, take the sample, then post to the lab. Results back within a week.
MapisM
Well-known member
Thanks folks, useful stuff.
@Anders: why are you saying "depending on where you're based"?
See, the reason for my question is that in the past I used a big lab which recently decided it wasn't worth offering this service anymore, their core business being with more sophisticated industrial chemicals.
And aside from being top notch, it was near to my home, so I could just drive there and bring them the samples.
But I would have thought that it isn't a problem (other than sealing well the bottle of course) to send small samples anywhere by courier, at least within EU.
Or is it? Are there any restrictions for shipping oil maybe?
@Anders: why are you saying "depending on where you're based"?
See, the reason for my question is that in the past I used a big lab which recently decided it wasn't worth offering this service anymore, their core business being with more sophisticated industrial chemicals.
And aside from being top notch, it was near to my home, so I could just drive there and bring them the samples.
But I would have thought that it isn't a problem (other than sealing well the bottle of course) to send small samples anywhere by courier, at least within EU.
Or is it? Are there any restrictions for shipping oil maybe?
mad_boater
New member
I was told by my surveyor that if the engine oil had very recently been changed analysis would not be useful. How true that is I don't know but it seems to make sence.
rafiki_
Well-known member
Yep clearly correct as fresh oil will show no deposits from engine, or combustion issues.
MapisM
Well-known member
Yes and no.
Sure, it doesn't make sense to throw in fresh oil, run the engine for 10 minutes and then test a sample.
But oil analysis is mostly about the film, not the single picture - i.e. keeping the nasties development monitored over time.
A "fresh oil" test, made after 5 to 10 hours, is very useful for two reasons:
1) if the oil would be already contaminated after such short period (which is indeed possible!), that would be VERY interesting to know;
2) if it's still ok after the initial run-in (as it should), it will still be interesting to compare the numbers with a future analysis, to be made after 100 to 150 hours.
rafiki_
Well-known member
Agreed. The best use of the samples is to test regularly. I was only commenting on the new oil scenario.
Anders_P42
Member
AFAIK there's no restriction on shipping, it's a relatively small amount of oil. But they're based in USA, so it might make sense to use a more local company if you're based in Europe.
To get meaningful data, take oil samples at regular engine hour intervals, otherwise the oil will contain more metals because its been used longer, not because your bearings are dying.
Anders
misterg
Active member
Wear Check are in the UK, and they actually do the analysis. SWMBO worked for them some time ago, and they had samples from Caterpillar, JCB, etc.
They used to do sampling kits by post - I presume they still do (they mail you everything you need, you just sample the oil and send it back). Good FAQ on the site.
http://www.wearcheck.com/
They used to do sampling kits by post - I presume they still do (they mail you everything you need, you just sample the oil and send it back). Good FAQ on the site.
http://www.wearcheck.com/
MapisM
Well-known member
Aha, I didn't realise that before posting my question.
Thanks again everybody for the hints!