Will oil analysis reveal engines previous life?

[MC5W20]

I've been thinking lately. I've been looking at used vehicles. The ones with verifyable maintenance records in Carfax usually will be the ones the dealer won't cut a deal on. The ones with no maintenance activity in Carfax they will wheel and deal on.

There are few exception to the above. However, the crux of what I'm thinking is, after aquiring a used vehicle with no records and then subsequently doing oil analysis what can be revealed about the unkown history of the life of that engine?

Will the oil analysis only show real time issues? Will it indicate that previous oil changes weren't done timely? Will not so good wear numbers indicate abuse from previous owner?

At a novice level I can interpret a used oil analysis, but what about an engines past can actually be determined from them? Any insight to this would be welcomed.

 

[Tempest]

If you can used oil analysis the oil in the car, you might have a shot. Assuming they haven't changed it.

A used oil analysis on your oil will only show something grossly wrong.

 

[KA426]

My thoughts are that they would have already changed the oil.

 

[pickled]

It can sure help you spot the fact that someone might have put some motor honey in it to quiet down noises, or if the wrong lubricant was used.

 

[FZ1]

So,then,you believe in Reincarnation? Lol.

 

[MC5W20]

Originally Posted By: pickled
It can sure help you spot the fact that someone might have put some motor honey in it to quiet down noises, or if the wrong lubricant was used.


Thanks pickle I had never considered that. I am only look at vehciles on the so called "A" lots. There supposed to send those types of vehicles to auction. But I do know some of them have poor quality control and they put bad ones on the lot with a pencil whipped inspection report.

I will make it point to ask them if they change the oil before it sits on their lot. If they say yes I will ask them for some type of proof.

 

[pickled]

Also remember that automatic transmissions are expensive too and probably could suffer from a Lucas treatment here and there. Good luck on the hunt!