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I believe they are a division of Amsoil? I preferred their reports over Blackstone Labs. The actual lab reports were comparable, just their website is better at explaining what things mean and the testing methodology etc.
Plus depending where you are, they have multiple labs in the US and Canada. Makes shipping cheaper, faster and easier.
From: South Cackalacky - 86.5 928 5 speed, 86.5 auto project
I've used both als and Blackstone. I've felt like the Blackstone reports are more "personal" for lack of a better term. They take the time to leave some comments or explanation on the report that I haven't seen from als.
I've used both als and Blackstone. I've felt like the Blackstone reports are more "personal" for lack of a better term. They take the time to leave some comments or explanation on the report that I haven't seen from als.
That’s true in my experience as well. But I prefer to get the TBN included in my reports as that tells me the level of the protective additives in the oil. I use this info as a potential indicator of problems if those additives start to be consumed by the engine at a higher rate compared to prior historical readings.
I once had a question about a silicon reading in my 996’s sample. I called ALS and they put me in touch with the specific person who tested my sample. He and I chatted for about 15 or so minutes and it was quite helpful and informative.
blackstone test is $28.00. what's the best reason for getting oil tested? I like the idea and am curious, but what specifically might I learn that I don't already know about my engine health? quality and breakdown of oil viscosity? are these test most often used when you already have an issue and need to narrow things down? head gasket?
Speed Diagnostics is another one that's affiliated with Driven oils and LN Engineering.
I use Blackstone and although their reports do have "personal" comments I don't always agree with their summaries based on what the analysis results actually show.
I use their bulk order service and pay for the TAN and TBN to be added as that shows you how acidic the oil is becoming - you want the TBN to remain higher than the TAN.
To answer the what's UOA good for,
it can detect issues with the engine prior to a major failure that would then cost more to fix.
It can detect the presence of coolant in the oil from a leaking head gasket or fuel in the oil from a bad injector or from lower compression in one cylinder,
The presence of various wear metals like iron, aluminum, and copper that can tell you if something is wearing badly like a main bearing or a cylinder scoring process has begun.
Will show silicon levels which is pretty much dirt that can point to unfiltered air getting into the motor which could be a vacuum leak or a poor air filter.
Provides data on viscosity and flashpoints that will tell you how well the Multi-grade additive package is holding up so you can adjust your oil change interval accordingly
Gives you levels of Zinc & Phosphorous (ZDDP) that protect the valve train - you want 1,000ppm or more of both
and some other things
It's most useful if done with the same oil at every oil change so you can start building a trend history of how your particular engine reports look so that if something jumps up in one of them you can investigate the cause for the increase in that number.
Here's the report from my supercharged 928. First oil change was Shell Rotella that came in the car after all the engine work. Next 2 are Driven DT50, which you can see is much better with much lower metal wear numbers, higher viscosity, less acidic, etc.
I use Blackstone and although their reports do have "personal" comments I don't always agree with their summaries based on what the analysis results actually show.
I agree. While the comments are nice, they are clearly just opinions and the data could be interpreted multiple ways.
Here's a report I got from Oil Analyzers from the first oil change I did on my 924 when I purchased it. They also provide comments but are more clinical. The way the report is arranged in categories also makes it much easier to understand what its saying. If you view them on the website, you can actually click on each metal and it will provide additional detail on the testing and where the possible sources are.
I agree. While the comments are nice, they are clearly just opinions and the data could be interpreted multiple ways.
Here's a report I got from Oil Analyzers from the first oil change I did on my 924 when I purchased it. They also provide comments but are more clinical. The way the report is arranged in categories also makes it much easier to understand what its saying. If you view them on the website, you can actually click on each metal and it will provide additional detail on the testing and where the possible sources are.
Just now saw this. I hope the future changes improved beyond what's shown in these results. Iron and Lead are high (engine main bearings), Zinc and Phosphorous are too low for this older motor and probably why the bearing wear is higher than it should be. You should switch to an oil that had higher ZDDP levels, like 1,000-1,200 ppm remaining in the used sample. Unless you resealed something like an oil sump before this sample was done, your Silicon is very high, like your air filter isn't working well or you have a decent vacuum leak somewhere with air bypassing the filter. Would also benefit you to get the TAN number. With a TBN in the mid 3s, your TAN is likely in the mid 4s to mid 5s which means the oil is more acidic than basic and acid eats metal.
