Pulled my first 2 UOA samples yesterday. Questions

[Pajamarama]

As referenced in another thread, I got used oil samples from both of my cars yesterday when I performed their oil changes. I plan to send these off to Blackstone for analysis soon. I have a couple questions:

a) I won't be able to mail off these samples for about a month. Is there any negative consequence of letting these samples sit for this period of time before analysis?

b) Reading other UOA reports, I notice Blackstone often says, "Thanks for the additional info about blah blah blah" in their reports. What sort of additional info should I be providing to them other than mileage and oil brand/grade?
- driving style?
- oil filter brand/type?
- maintenance performed during this interval?
- previous oil brand/type?
- other?
Or is providing other information really not necessary?

Thanks for your advice and guidance.

 

[Kuato]

Welcome to oil testing!

A) Nope. Chemical composition won't change from sitting.

B) I usually don't send them anything other than oil, miles, vehicle. I suppose you could send them driving style, if it is different than what you'll send them in the future.

 

[skyship]

Originally Posted By: Pajamarama
As referenced in another thread, I got used oil samples from both of my cars yesterday when I performed their oil changes. I plan to send these off to Blackstone for analysis soon. I have a couple questions:
a) I won't be able to mail off these samples for about a month. Is there any negative consequence of letting these samples sit for this period of time before analysis?
b) Reading other UOA reports, I notice Blackstone often says, "Thanks for the additional info about blah blah blah" in their reports. What sort of additional info should I be providing to them other than mileage and oil brand/grade?
- driving style?
- oil filter brand/type?
- maintenance performed during this interval?
- previous oil brand/type?
- other?
Or is providing other information really not necessary?
Thanks for your advice and guidance.


Storing oil in the plastic container Blackstones send you will not cause concerns for a very long time, assuming you put the lid on. If you use another container it should be a very clean glass gar with a sealed cap and then use electrical tape to make sure it is air tight. I post mine in a small box as I don't want the Germans thinking it is a case of black death, BUT put a copy of the downloaded air mail OK letter in the box if you are in a place with difficult postal regs. Blackstones will e-mail the reply within a few days of getting the letter, or call you if you did not change the oil and the TBN is nil etc.

Comments to include apart from the details on the form include a full written confession if you were silly enough to add anything other than top up oil and exactly what it was. I also include plans for the next OCI, like I am not changing the filter until the 20K approved interval BUT I have changed the oil to the same one as last time. Next OCI I will switch back to 5w40 conventional oil etc.

Listing the top up oil and commenting about big changes in the engines use, like off roading or a move to the middle of New York are useful, as it might help explain any Silicon or fuel contamination. It is also important to list major block related servicing like a new head gasket or home made sump gasket because it will cause odd Sodium or Potassium readings from traces of sealant. Special additives like Zinc, Moly or Copper are often used for break in oils, but confuse the analysis if you don't know where they are from.

My own engine was run on a Mobil truck oil that had a high level of Moly some years ago, but I use Synthoils that don't contain Moly, so I was surprised to see 5ppm of Moly in the report. I also have a non standard exhaust system which produces a few ppm of Copper.

 

[NMP]

If you have a vehicle with an OLM or an IOLM you might let them know what the remaining life was at sampling.