Which UOA program is the way to go? Blackstone has been around but see the speeDiagnostix, saw Napa had one, etc. seems some offer things others don’t and I’m unsure of what I need. I plan to have UOAs done to monitor my vehicles history. I’d think it’s best to stick with a single vendor, right?
Which oil analysis program?
- Thread starter FlyingTexan
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I use Oil Analyzer Inc, Blackstone Labs, JG Lubricant Services, and Wix.
Sometimes I send the same sample to more than 1 lab (to make certain their ducks are in a row).
Don't put all your eggs in 1 basket
Sometimes I send the same sample to more than 1 lab (to make certain their ducks are in a row).
Don't put all your eggs in 1 basket
Well.. I’ll be honest in that I don’t want to spend $200 on a UOA. But you’re a perfect person to ask then. Where do you find the best consistency?I use Oil Analyzer Inc, Blackstone Labs, JG Lubricant Services, and Wix.
Sometimes I send the same sample to more than 1 lab (to make certain their ducks are in a row).
Don't put all your eggs in 1 basket
I have used Napa/Wix (same) because their turnaround is acceptable, TBN is included, and its cheap relative to others. They do not report oxidation which is important for long OCIs.
Blackstone gives a personal touch with their comments, has relatively good historical tracking, universal averages, but are very poor with fuel dilution accuracy and turnaround times.
Every person has different goals. Mine are not long OCIs and more for self education, monitoring for mechanical issues, self entertainment, and I dont mind sharing the data here for others.
Blackstone gives a personal touch with their comments, has relatively good historical tracking, universal averages, but are very poor with fuel dilution accuracy and turnaround times.
Every person has different goals. Mine are not long OCIs and more for self education, monitoring for mechanical issues, self entertainment, and I dont mind sharing the data here for others.
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I buy mine thru the Amsoil Site,then they go to Indy to the Polaris Lab.They show the fuel dilution which I'm most interested in as I do many short trips with my 2019 Tiguan.It has an 10,000 mile oil change schedule,but it goes in the red.Polaris made me a believer in 5,000 mile changes which keeps me in the green and my oil much safer for my car.Very happy with them
I bad,I think Oil Analyzers is the same as Polaris Labs,correct me if I'm wrong
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I've used Blackstone for years but once my current vehicles are set to pasture I am switching. I stay now due to all my UOA's are with Blackstone and I want to stay consistent until I can switch. Yes, I can be a bit mental at times. IMO Blackstone is too costly and if you have a DI system their fuel dilution is suspect.
I’ve settled on oil analyzers inc. The services end up being about the same cost, except OIA reports fuel back correctly.
What company do you get your lubes from? Chevron has a program, cost varies on customer, but is under $20 for random Joe off the street.
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You can give Fleetguard a try; we partner with Polaris Labs: https://cms.fleetguard.com/en_NA/literature/monitortm-fluid-analysis-program-technical/lt36251
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Bumping this thread as I just learned that the Accutrack program has been discontinued, which is a shame. I've been using them for nearly 2 decades. These were processed by ALS Labs. My Accutrack supplier told me the new program is MobilServ, but it's $500 up front for 20 kits (hopefully including TBN). That price is a bit rich for me, and it would probably take me 10-15 years to use all 20 kits.
So now I'm on the hunt for a new analysis program which includes TBN, and is somewhat affordable. Blackstone is expensive. I had been paying <$200 for a box of 10 prepaid Accutrack "Extended" kits which includes TBN. Even with shipping both ways (kits to me, sample to lab) it was under $30 total per analysis.
I found a handful of other threads discussing various vendors/labs but none had a comprehensive list with pricing. Really hard to collate all of this into one location.
Polaris via JG or Santie looks like one of the lower cost options, assuming there's no way to get in on the Lubewatch deal, and assuming NAPA/WIX options are either no longer available or low cost. I'd prefer the NAPA/WIX option since I've got 15-20 years of data with ALS Labs already.
If anyone has additional details, please let me know, and I'll update this post - thanks!
So now I'm on the hunt for a new analysis program which includes TBN, and is somewhat affordable. Blackstone is expensive. I had been paying <$200 for a box of 10 prepaid Accutrack "Extended" kits which includes TBN. Even with shipping both ways (kits to me, sample to lab) it was under $30 total per analysis.
Blackstone = $50 for Oil+TBN (Link), free shipping (?)
Polaris Labs / JG Lubricants = $39 for Advanced (w/TBN) single (Link), or $231 for a 10-pack (Link) which is $25/each (with S&H)
Polaris Labs / Santie Oil = ~$18 (Link) each, in a 10-pack, with ripoff $40 shipping (lowest cost option), ~$22/each (with S&H)
Polaris Labs / Chevron Lubewatch = $??? (Link) - Found this PDF which shows what I assume is fleet pricing, <$10 per sample!
ALS Global = $??? (Link) - Filled out their contact form and asked for information. I assume they require buying from a partner. (?)
WIX 24077 = ~$35 (Link), appears identical to Accutrack reports via ALS Labs. But, availability seems spotty, some places are OOS?
NAPA = $21 (Link), same was WIX 24077... but out of stock. Also fulfilled by ALS Labs.
I found a handful of other threads discussing various vendors/labs but none had a comprehensive list with pricing. Really hard to collate all of this into one location.
Polaris via JG or Santie looks like one of the lower cost options, assuming there's no way to get in on the Lubewatch deal, and assuming NAPA/WIX options are either no longer available or low cost. I'd prefer the NAPA/WIX option since I've got 15-20 years of data with ALS Labs already.
If anyone has additional details, please let me know, and I'll update this post - thanks!
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thanks for this..I used Blackstone years ago with good results and turnaround but this past month i have used them for two different vehicles and they take way too long...I don't mine the $40 but waiting for who knows how long is a bit frustrating. first same was a couple weeks and second is over two weeks and still waiting. That is from the time they have the sample so not counting mail time....seems if they have a sample in testing a week should be long enough...I certainly do not need the personal notes "everything looks good send another sample in 3000 miles" etc....
looks like NAPA gets bad reviews on their site..I will probably go with oil analyzers inc.
looks like NAPA gets bad reviews on their site..I will probably go with oil analyzers inc.
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Depending on where you’re located I can recommend options. Your local oil distributor almost certainly has a relationship with a lab or program kits they can sell you likely at a reasonable cost.
zip is 59808 Missoula MT
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Hey are you willing to buy 10 kits? I’ve got an option for that but I don’t believe I have anybody local you can buy one kit from.
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10 kits at what price? And what lab will process them?
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