How to read an oil analysis?

[kemo]

I can't really find a guide here on how to read and understand an oil analysis. such as what to look for as "wear indicators" (health of engine), how much life is left to the oil, what it means to have high AND low numbers of particular metals/elements in the oil sample and so on.

Is there anyone who can go in depth? Is there a guide? My searching abilities on here are somewhat abysmal!

 

[Spockian1]

Probably the first thing you need to know is that, in general, you can't trust the numbers which come back. Have a look at this thread.

The next thing you need to know is that interpretation of the numbers that do come back is very much "folk wisdom". Few posters to this site are actual tribologists in real life. And those few who are have the least to say... though when they do I tend to sit up and listen. But what they do say tends to be rather Socratic in nature.

I should probably also mention that the folk wisdom encourages one to get upset over "wear" numbers (e.g. that of Fe) which are probably inconsequential.

Keep your thinking cap on as you browse these forums.

 

[kemo]

Good to know! What a scam.

 

[Samilcar]

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/cms/index....0&Itemid=56

 

[kemo]

thanks for the linky! just goes to show how blind I am!

 

[gdriver37]

Just because you found one post debating the value of UOA's doesn't mean they are "a scam". If you read this site enough you will find there are debates over just about every topic posted. I am not saying that UOA's are good or bad or a scam or not a scam. I am just saying there are many sides to the argument about their value and to base your decision on one thread may be an over-simplification. My suggestion is to keep reading posts, try to consider the source of each post, and keep a healthy dose of skepticism as you read.

 

[Eddie]

Dyson Analysis has a chart and categories different wear levels as good, watch & problem or similar wording. You must have your oil analyzed by Dyson to get that information and in my opinion the extra cost is worth it. You can also go to Blackstone Labs site and look under GAS engines and look at the 3 sample results to give you a flavor of good & bad. Other than this, I feel it is the trending of wear from various samples that are most usefully, except in the case of coolant in the oil. Ed

 

[Jim Allen]

Oil analysis isn't a scam, though I suppose some have used it as such. It serves a useful purpose when done right. In the realm of "recreational" oil changing and proclamations of "mine oil's better than yours" based on single UOAs, it can be made somewhat a joke. I really don't see it as useful for most of us, whose vehicles live relatively easy lives and for which an ordinary oil would be just great.

Personally, I find oil analysis a great learning tool and I know that my oil choices have been enhanced. I also know I've saved money (paying for the UOAs) using them because I have extended my OCIs to triple and quadruple what they were, done it safely and with less expensive oil. But then, I see UOA as a tool to be mastered, not as an extension of my ego.