Oil Analysis

[ontheplane]

Hi,

I have heard that you can take a sample of oil from an engine, send it off, and within a week or so, hear back that the engine is ok or knackered....

Does this only work for diesels or will it work on petrol as well?

Also, what if the oil was changed when the boat winterised, and therefore the engine hasn't been actually run properly since?

Does anyone know the companies that do this, and how much it costs?

 

[neale]

There is a little more to it than simply sending it off. You need to know about the history of the oil. How long it has been in the engine and how may hours run etc etc. You also need to understand what the results are telling you ie the levels of contaminants compared to the hours run, is it normal or excessive etc

 

[Greg2]

I had it done for our last boat and will do for our next. As has already been said, the hours run will need to be provided with the sample and the newer the oil the less it will tell you, although I think it is still worth it even with only a low number of hours.

The report will explain what the diferent levels mean and I think it cost us about forty quid per engine five years ago. A google search should find some companies who do it....can't remember the name of the one we used unfortunately.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Also, what if the oil was changed when the boat winterised, and therefore the engine hasn't been actually run properly since?

No point in doing an oil analysis then because the oil has to have at least 30-40hrs running under load. Yes, an oil analysis is definitely worth doing as a one off test if you were buying a boat but you do need to find out how many hours the oil has been in the engines because the permissible level of contaminants is obviously dependent on hours. An oil analysis once saved me from buying a boat with a duff engine so I'm a big fan.
Once you own the boat it's worthwile keeping the oil analysis tests going on an annual basis to check for any undesirable trends. Usually an authorised engine dealer will carry out the tests. I've used Cat dealers in the past and they will present you with a nice report