hello

I was wondering if i have the oil analyzed before purchase if this will tell if the engine is a tight one or if it on its way out? has anyone done this before purchase, i know the track guys like to know whats happening inside.... any opinions?

 

Sounds like you want a compression test. The oil might tell you if things are coming apart or going seriously wrong but if you're measuring "tight" or strongness of an engine do a compression test.

 

I have oil analysis done every time I change the oil. In theory it does tell you what the wear characteristics, or the lack thereof, of the engine are. However, the analysis is much better if you after a couple of examples because it gives you a feel for what is going on. One sample isn't necessarily going to tell you much, unless it is contaiminated with antifreeze or the like. Also realize that you would have to know how long the oil has been in use and whether or not additional oil has been added since the last change.

All that being said the cost is only $20 and wouldn't hurt and it would give you some type of indication to what condition the oil was in (which gives some sort of indication to the care the previous owner took care of the car as far as oil changes are concerned) however, I wouldn't rely on the test to give you green light. Also to obtain the sample the oil should be brought to operating temp. and then the taken after some of the oil has been drained. It will be a messy affair if you are trying to stick the oil drain back in prior to complete removal (essentially the seller is basically agreeing to an oil change to get a good sample).

 

I know pleanty of folks who have sent their oil and tranny fluids out to be analized but never before a purchase.