UOA Lab recommendation?

[kingrob]

I've been using a local lab for oil analysis for the last five years or so, and lately I think that either their work is suspect or maybe they've been mixing up samples, IDK. But anyway I'm looking into getting an analysis done from one of the site sponsors here, and I've heard good things about both Blackstone and Amsoil.

What I'm wondering is which one is cheaper? What's total out of pocket cost on my part? I know the Amsoil lab does extra sampling, etc. but I'm not interested in that at the moment. I'm kind of leery about internet UOA companies as I got burned by one a few years back (NOT a site sponsor, this was a hole in the wall operation. I wasn't aware of BITOG back then.)

Basically this particular lab sent me the kit for free, sent me an invoice for the analysis (I think about 15.00), then wanted another ten bucks to send me the results. Not to mention the shipping back of the kit I had to cover out of pocket. Whole thing cost me about thirty bucks, way past their advertised cost of 14.99. That's why I'm interested in knowing what the total cost is.

Any feedback greatly appreciated.

 

[Gary Allan]

I don't think it matters as much as to which lab you choose. The trending is what you need. So stick with one. Blackstone is good for seeing if everything is okay. Oil Analyzers gives some decent data that Blackstone doesn't ..but doesn't give some data that Blackstone does. The cost difference isn't worth mentioning.

My last sample postage was under $2

http://www.oaitesting.com/prices_automotive_fleet.htm

Blackstone is $22.50 the last one I did.

If you have "issues" or are really interested in how fatigued the oil is under extended drains (or some exceptional service), then I'd recommend Dyson Analysis (google). There you get it all (tan,tbn,oxi,nit, fuel%, flashpoint, etc..etc. ..but it's not cheap unless compared to the same services from Blackstone.

 

[kingrob]

Thanks, Gary. I'm probably going to try all three you mentioned here in the next year or so and take it from there.

 

[steve20]

Great experiences with Blackstone.
Just sent a sample to them on Monday afternoon-the result was waiting in my email box this morning. Nice folks to talk to as well
Steve