When I get to about 5k on my oil I would like to pull a sample and send in for a used oil analysis but I don't want to change my oil since its Mobil Super Syn which should be good for 7500. I want to do this mid OCI to make sure everything is ok for extended oil drains. Whats the easiest way to get some out without unscrewing the drain plug or filter?
How to pull an oil sample ?
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You gotta couple different options.
Through the dip stick tube, basically, you want to find a tube long enough that will slip down into the tube, then siphon away...
Take off oil filter, take sample from oil filter....I know Blackstone makes a note, if you DO go this route, that you TELL them you took the sample from the oil filter....I don't see why...all oil is filtered through there anyways, I guess there's a possibility you could take some of the "filtered" contaminants (and thus, not a "real" danger to your engine...) in with your sample.
But you'll want to re-fill that oil filter, so you don't get the "dry start" affect....due to no oil in the filter when it cranks....
If you go this route, at the END of your OCI, I would consider taking the sample in the same way, so you have an "apples to apples" comparison, mid-OCI and post-OCI with the sample from the oil filter.
This is probably really the easiest way to get a sample mid-OCI....and really, can't see any harm in it, since you will be "topping off" the filter capacity with "fresh" oil, it'll slightly skew the TBN if you desire to get the TBN tested (which I'd assume, since you are looking at extending the OCI, and the TBN is basically how much "life" is left of the oil...).
And last (in order of preference) would be through the drain plug
But that'll take some "skill" and quick reflexes methinks, to pop a quick sample, and then quickly re-tightening the drain plug without stripping threads, etc 
I've heard about the easiest is with the siphon method, and many of the labs sell their own "pump" to collect the sample from the dipstick tube; but I just can't quite grasp it, perhaps they got some high-temp grade plastic or smthng, but I don't think I'd try that route with the $3 "bulb siphon" from Harbor Freight/Walmart
I'd hate for that plastic tube to "melt" inside the dipstick tube as I am grabbing the sample from a warmed up engine.....since you really want to get the sample after the car has had time to warm up, and coolant/moisture/gas has been hopefully dissipated - unless you got serious leakage somewhere
Through the dip stick tube, basically, you want to find a tube long enough that will slip down into the tube, then siphon away...
Take off oil filter, take sample from oil filter....I know Blackstone makes a note, if you DO go this route, that you TELL them you took the sample from the oil filter....I don't see why...all oil is filtered through there anyways, I guess there's a possibility you could take some of the "filtered" contaminants (and thus, not a "real" danger to your engine...) in with your sample.
But you'll want to re-fill that oil filter, so you don't get the "dry start" affect....due to no oil in the filter when it cranks....
If you go this route, at the END of your OCI, I would consider taking the sample in the same way, so you have an "apples to apples" comparison, mid-OCI and post-OCI with the sample from the oil filter.
This is probably really the easiest way to get a sample mid-OCI....and really, can't see any harm in it, since you will be "topping off" the filter capacity with "fresh" oil, it'll slightly skew the TBN if you desire to get the TBN tested (which I'd assume, since you are looking at extending the OCI, and the TBN is basically how much "life" is left of the oil...).
And last (in order of preference) would be through the drain plug
I've heard about the easiest is with the siphon method, and many of the labs sell their own "pump" to collect the sample from the dipstick tube; but I just can't quite grasp it, perhaps they got some high-temp grade plastic or smthng, but I don't think I'd try that route with the $3 "bulb siphon" from Harbor Freight/Walmart
Go thru the dip tube - likely less dirty than the DP or the filter route. If you are talented you could partially unscrew the DP to the last thread and oil will drizzle out - just have a clean funnel and catch bottle under the stream. Dont do it when its windy
I would absolutely wait till 7500mi or 6 months - any oil will do 5K spring through fall. Why dont you get a home TBN test kit? Do you have a LIM issue or is there LIM leakage history with this pontiac?
I would absolutely wait till 7500mi or 6 months - any oil will do 5K spring through fall. Why dont you get a home TBN test kit? Do you have a LIM issue or is there LIM leakage history with this pontiac?
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Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Do you have a LIM issue or is there LIM leakage history with this pontiac?
Well that is what I'm going to find out. The past few months the car has been running warmer than usual and I've lost a little bit of coolant. I dont know if it was from the 100 degree weather or if there is something else going on. Main reason why I want to sample mid OCI to make sure I can run 7500 without a problem.
Do you have a LIM issue or is there LIM leakage history with this pontiac?
Well that is what I'm going to find out. The past few months the car has been running warmer than usual and I've lost a little bit of coolant. I dont know if it was from the 100 degree weather or if there is something else going on. Main reason why I want to sample mid OCI to make sure I can run 7500 without a problem.
Through the dipstick tube with a CLEAN piece of clear plastic tubing. I use 1/4 inch OD tubing from home Depot or Lowe's'. Toss the first 5 oz or so and then collect the sample in a CLEAN container. Ed
I hate evacuating through the dipstick tube for samples. Even if I try making sure the tube and reservoir are clean, you can't make it 100% clean (I know, nothing is ever really 100%). Even with brand-new tubing, there could be dust or debris in there. And depending on what you're having analyzed, even a little bit of contamination could be a real problem.
I use a Fumoto Quick Valve. It is nice to have for OCs but great for samples. Yeah you still have to get your butt under the vehicle, but it's really easy once you do. Flip the lever over, let a little out to "rinse out" the valve, then close it and let some into your sample container. Of course, they generally recommend sampling from the middle of the drain, not just opening the plug and sampling whatever comes out first.
I use the type of Quick Valve that has a nipple (mine is a F106N), and during regular vehicle use, I keep a vacuum cap over the nipple to keep debris out and to help prevent damage.
I use a Fumoto Quick Valve. It is nice to have for OCs but great for samples. Yeah you still have to get your butt under the vehicle, but it's really easy once you do. Flip the lever over, let a little out to "rinse out" the valve, then close it and let some into your sample container. Of course, they generally recommend sampling from the middle of the drain, not just opening the plug and sampling whatever comes out first.
I use the type of Quick Valve that has a nipple (mine is a F106N), and during regular vehicle use, I keep a vacuum cap over the nipple to keep debris out and to help prevent damage.
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