Blackstone vs AVLube analysis

[kevz]

I want to get an oil analysis done with TBN.
AVLube is cheaper but, Blackstone is very much praised around here. I'm a poor starving student...What you do you guys think?

 

[Motorbike]

Of those two sources , Avlube . I had to toss the coin twice

 

[tweeker43]

i'd say whatever your budget can handle. variety is good anyway, right? if we all used blackstone then we wouldn't learn about anyone else. so if avlube works for your wallet, go for it!

or, you could hold up a 7-11 and use blackstone.

either way.

 

[MrFrost]

Far as I can tell, Avlube doesn't include a TBN with its oil analysis.

[ January 11, 2005, 11:42 PM: Message edited by: 59 Vetteman ]

 

[satterfi]

quote:

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Originally posted by MrFrost:
Far as I can tell, Avlube doesn't include a TBN with its oil analysis.

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You can get it either way. With TBN it's $18.50, without it's $16.

AVlube (PMS labs) tends to report higher levels of Mo, Zn and P than Blackstone. The reported TBN will also be higher.

As far as I'm concerned, use either lab but don't switch back and forth unless you want to drive yourself crazy.

 

[Jay]

In my experience, AvLube is very accurate on wear metals, but the additive levels were way high on most additives. Don't use them for VOAs unless you aren't interested in additive level accuracy. TBN with them was a complete waste of money. The results were so far wrong they were laughable.

On the plus side, you get George Morrison's interpretation included in the price (but you must ask for it).

 

[kevz]

I want an accurate TBN...i guess AVLube isn't the way to go.

AVlube wants an extra 2.50 for TBN and Blackstone wants an extra $10. I guess you get what you pay for?

 

[Terry]

Kevz, consider what you want, low cost jumble of data you don't understand or an accurate and effectively interpreted oil analysis.

Both Blackstone and Avlubes kits are good quality products for the raw data.

I will interpret any labs data for $20 or order the Blackstone labs kit or our in house kit for $35.

Oil analysis results are useless unless you know what it means.

Sincerely, Terry

 

[doitmyself]

Terry,

I do a lot of soil nutrient analysis. One of our rules is that you cannot compare test results from one lab to another because of different test methods and calibration. One lab might show potassium at 100 ppm and the other at 400ppm, but this is considered "medium" on each labs scale. Thus, it is best to stick with one lab, and do tests over a long period to develop trends.

Does this hold true with oil analysis too?

 

[Terry]

doit, for the most part it is true when comparing the Physical characteristics of the lube, TBN, IR readings. I have our contract Dyson Analysis kit results calibrate the IR for the lubricant being run instead of a cookie cutter calibration. Our In-house IR runs have a database of oils to calibrate to. Thats a pain and time consuming, adding to the cost but much more meaningful.

The elemental analysis results of most quality labs are very close, enough for a experienced analyst that has access to the oil and engine signature databases to make a very accurate interpretation.

Sounds like soil analysis labs are not very standardized. We sure read a lot of soil in these tests depending on the area the unit is operated in !

 

[satterfi]

quote:

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Originally posted by Jay:
TBN with them was a complete waste of money. The results were so far wrong they were laughable.

---

My experience is the opposite. I measured the TBN of my samples (4 total) with Dexsil test kits before sending them to PMS. PMS's reported TBN matched very well with my numbers.

I've done the same with one sample sent to Blackstone. Curiously, it also matched even though Blackstone's scale is skewed to the low end compared to Dexsil kits.

Jay, I'd be interested in how you came to your conclusion.