Oil Analysis - any recommendations for a decent company?

[neale]

I have in the past used a co called Moto Check. They don't seem to be around now so am looking for a replacement.

Anyone have any suggestions???? I like to have the oil analyzed after each oil change just to keep an eye on what's going on inside the engine. Think it also adds a nice touch to the boats service records too.

Cheers

 

[gjgm]

Think it also adds a nice touch to the boats service records too.
***

that might depend on the results !!

 

[neale]

[ QUOTE ]
Think it also adds a nice touch to the boats service records too.
***

that might depend on the results !!

[/ QUOTE ]

Of course! But I am assuming good results as the engine is not old and the oil changed at the required intervals.

 

[NorthUp]

Finning UK- Cat importers but their oil sample testing will apply to any make of engine.
You can buy the sample bottle from any Cat dealer, take your sample and post it off, results back within a week or so.
Cost about £40 a time?

 

[Greg2]

I used the Oil Lab this year. Seemd ok - efficient and got a comprehensive report. They have a website:

www.theoillab.co.uk

 

[Bilgediver]

Please be aware that the taking of a sample and the way it is taken are equally important.

Taking a sample of the oil removed from an engine during an oil change is not the best way as some particles may have separated out and also you may get unrepresentative amounts of impurities depending at what level in the sump the sample came from.

It is much better to take a sample from the engine as it runs as all the impurities will be nicely mixed up. This sample might be obtained by loosening a small connection siuch as the oil pressure gauge and catching the drips , if a sampling valve is not fitted. Best to samply before the filter.

 

[Sneds]

2nd vote for oil lab, they will post you the sampling kit, ie a bit of tube to poke down the dip stick hole and a plastic jar.

 

[neale]

Thanks for the recommendation. I did find this Co with a google search but it's useful to have recommendations.

With regards to how you take the oil. I agree there are a lot of variables, but with the engine run up to temperature before the oil change and the old oil sucked out almost immediately, surely it will all be nicely mixed up. And as long as the sample is taken the same way each time, at least there will be some consistency.