Oil Analysis Vendor Question

[Matt42]

I will be wanting to test some crankcase oil in a 2nd generation, low mileage, Dodge Cummins in the near future. It has been a long time since I have done so, but not many miles. I used to send samples to Blackstone and was happy enough with their work.

I see that there are several oil analysis labs on the scene since I last sent samples. Does anyone have strong preferences one way or another? I'd like to hear about them.

I used the search function on the site, but that didn't seem to get an answer I was looking for. Many thanks.

 

[kschachn]

Here are a few previous threads that may help:

Favorite Oil Analysis Provider ?

I have no experience with oil analysis providers - who do you like to use and why ?

bobistheoilguy.com

Polaris vs Oil Analyzers?

I understand they're both essentially the same lab/company, so are the UOA results the same, regardless which one you order from? Is the pricing different? While I know how to order a test kit from Oil Analyzers, I haven't been able to figure out how to order it from Polaris. Can't seem to be...

bobistheoilguy.com

which analysis company ?

going a full year on my 2008 F 150 4x4 5.4L V8 with Royal Purple 5w-30 synthetic(with RP filter) may reach about 4,500 - 5K miles.....where should I have the oil analyzed ? I'll post when received thanks

bobistheoilguy.com

"Best" UOA Company?

The most popular company seems to be Blackstone on here. Yet, it seems that often enough, there is some grumbling about their quality/accuracy (fuel amount, etc.). Is there a clear "best" place to send your sample to, as far as quality and accuracy are concerned? I've only used Blackstone in...

bobistheoilguy.com

Question: Which UOA Vendor/Lab To Use?

Hi all -- this is my first post. My apologies if this isn't the correct forum. I know most people seem to use Blackstone for UOA. Their prices seem reasonable, and I haven't heard anything "bad" about them. But, I was wondering about other vendors: like ALS Tribology, or Caterpillar's "SOS"...

bobistheoilguy.com

What Does Everyone Think Of Blackstone Labs ?

What does everyone think of blackstone for oil samples? Are they accurate? Is there someplace else people like better ? What is the best way to send a sample? Through the Mail or U.P.S.? I am leaning toward them because they advertise on B.I.T.O.G.

bobistheoilguy.com

UOA...Blackstone?

I see that Blackstone is a site sponsor...and am curious if Blackstone is the "dominant" UOA vendor? Are there any particular differences between say the Amsoil UOA service and the Blackstone service? What % of the posted UOAs likely come from Blackstone??...what other vendors would be...

bobistheoilguy.com

 

[himemsys]

Pluses for Oil Analyzers:
1) speedy turnaround. I use the UPS prepaid kits and my sample gets delivered within 2 days and OA gets me results within 2 days.
2) TBN is built into the cost
3) they also include oxidation and nitration values
4) they use gas chromatography for fuel dilution, which is most accurate

Minuses for OA:
1) total cost is higher than Blackstone ($48.78 vs $35-$45) if you're buying one kit at a time. Cost goes down the more kits you buy at once. Best cost per kit is at 3 kits or more at a time ($38.79 per). This is because they charge for shipping and tax, neither of which Blackstone charges for.
2) less user friendly, both with their web interface and with customer service.
3) if you want to save money and buy multiple kits, you may not use them all right away. This increases the chance that you might misplace/lose the kits before you can use them.

Pluses for Blackstone:
1) One flat cost of $35 without TBN or $45 with TBN. Shipping included and no tax on top.
2) Universal Averages included with your engine type, so you can see normal values for your engine to compare your results to.
3) Super easy web interface and great customer service.

Minuses for Blackstone:
1) USPS shipping is slower. Typically takes 4-5 days for delivery for me vs. 2 days for UPS (shipping similar distances).
2) Analysis is very slow. Expect to wait 2 weeks for your results once they receive your sample.
3) they derive fuel dilution from flashpoint and viscosity loss which is much less accurate than gas chromatography.
4) oxidation and nitration results are not included in the cost.
5) their viscosity results are sometimes lower than expected, bringing into question their accuracy.

Personally, I like Blackstone's Universal Averages a lot. But I like OA for everything else. So I will use BS once for a vehicle to get the UA, then use OA for future samples on the same vehicle. I don't like having to spend over $116 at a time to get the best deal with OA, and don't like having to keep track of my kits until I can use them up, but OA has too many other advantages to not use them over BS in my opinion.

 

[Sandstorm]

Is there any oil analysis company that checks for Tungsten (Wolfram) as an addtiitve?