Where to get UOAs done?

[MGregoir]

I have Mobil 1 5W-30 in my car right now and I am draining it at 5,000 km to get a baseline for UOAs just to know everything is okay in the engine. I am not trying to make a trend yet, just gauge the internal health of the engine with a "snapshot."

I want to know wear metals/silica, coolant, fuel dilution, TBN and possibly viscosity grade if it doesn't add significant outlay to the analysis.

I am in Bonnyville the following month, so "local" to Edmonton.

What would be the best value for that type of analysis without having to buy a case of 10 sample bottles at once like from Fluid Life, and maybe more "accurate" than Blackstone? I know of Fluid Life, Blackstone and Amsoil's OAI. I am looking at either of the latter, but I want to know what other options are available. I also know once you pick a lab you have to stick with it to get reliable trends.

 

[INDYMAC]

As you have already mentioned, the best choice is the one you stay with for trends.
If you're like me and don't know how to correctly interpret a problem that shows up on a UOA, then Dyson Analysis is the obvious choice.

 

[Rabbler]

I had mine done by Blackstone.
I did it as more of an experiment. Much like you I wanted a snap shot just to gauge engine condition.
I don't know if I will do a regular UOA, but mine came back with very good results.
It does cost a bit more to send the sample in from Canada. (almost double what Blackstone estimates)and Blackstone charges an additional $10 for TBN ( I didn't get a TBN). Others include TBN for a lesser price.
I will use Blackstone again if I decide to do another UOA.

 

[Donald]

As others have said Amsoil OAI does TBN for no extra, and Blackstone charges for it. In addition OAI does OXID and NITR at no charge if the oil is Amsoil (I believe this is true, maybe on all oils, but I know I get it on Amsoil oil.

It would be nice is OAI had a discount for a reasonable quantity. I think their discount is at 50.

 

[RI_RS4]

Simply the best.

 

[Steve S]

I use blackstone because they are a site sponser I do my purchaes as I can from site sponsers.If I had a problem I would use a local company for the better turn around time.

 

[apecush]

I just took a sample in to Fluidlife after using Blackstone for my first UOA (and receiving results nearly 2 months after submitting them - not a fault of blackstone, but a pain nonetheless). I used a sterile bottle from my lab at work and drove it over there - They didn't mention anything about me needing their sample bottles either. I'm supposed to get the results back tomorrow, so I will add a comment on the similarities when I get the results.