Oil Surveys

[DenL]

Hi
anybody out there got any information or experience on engine oil surveys, particulary who does them.Are they worth the money?

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[powerskipper]

No and yes

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://powerskipper.mysite.freeserve.com/>http://powerskipper.mysite.freeserve.com/</A>
Julie

 

[SailorSam]

I have experience of a regular testing process on Military helos in the 80/90s and subsequently on ships systems in the late 90s and the results often seemed random - bad result followed by good result etc. May be better now but was never sold on it (nor was the Chief engineer!)

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[Freebee]

its not so much the oil survey thats variable its how the oil samples are taken ,where from and the circumstances at the time the sample is taken,hot cold oil etc.

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[Doffy]

Have used Robertson of Conway Wales 01492 574750

Vgood but you can read to much into them. Worth doing even if you are not buying, the history will assist in selling boat.

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[MidlandsOnSea]

When I've had samples done, they were arranged by our usual engineers. They send them to a lab. It seems to me that a 'clear' result (ie no unusual content) gives lots of peace of mind. But, a quirky result takes a bit of skill to interpret. It's all very well knowing that the oil had a high level of material X if you know what that signifies. An oil sample taken recently from a boat I know showed a high level of something (forget what it was now) and it turned out to be a contaminent from the paste used when the cylinder head was replaced. One oil change later and the contaminent had gone, even after several tests. A more cautious surveyor might have just taken the view that the engine was shot. There's no point getting samples after a fresh oil change - I was told you need to work the engines for a bout 10 hours after an oil change before anything untoward would show up.

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[Doffy]

Have a look at www.wearcheck.com

Lots of info

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[Greg2]

Had one done when we bought our current boat - the clean bill of health gave us a lot of confidence. It was cheap as chips as well.

Accept the points that a 'dodgy' result might not be bad news but if you are buying you can explore it further and it might even help with the price.

I recall a post some months ago where an oil survey saved a prospective purchaser circa £30k in repairs. Can't see any argument not to get one done IMHO.

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[miket]

horses for courses

Depends what you are buying and how much.
Everyone will have a different view to risk.

Referred to below was Deleted User's experience buying a Ferretti. Big money boat therefore in my view money well spent.
£30k boat, personally I would depend on the skill of my engineer/ friend.
As stated elsewhere, if the oil has just been changed it's not going to show anything anyway.

Mind I suppose if it is that cheap, why not?

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[Nick_H]

Had oil samples analysed from both engines, gearboxes and the gennie as part of the survey before buying my last boat. Highlighted a potential problem with the gearboxes, which I was then able to discuss with Twin Disc. They advised they just needed a service, so I was able to persuade the seller to have full service on all the mechanical gear at his cost, saving me £1,200 for £200 outlay. Also meant more peace of mind in buying the boat, so well worth it.

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[Newbroom]

Noing what is normal is the key.
I had my Cats done on two services and both times showed high copper levels. Further investigations with the analysts(sp) found out that was normal for Cat V8s
They certainaly give piece of mind when you get an OK report
Dave

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