BS..

Let a few drops fall off the dip stick onto a white paper towel....as the oil wicks into the towel...particulates, if there are any to see will be apparent... also feel the oil.. rub some between your thumb and forefinger... if it feels slippery yet viscous you could run another day...

I know these old timer tricks will be disregarded, criticized and laughed at......Its ok.. but they are a good initial test for the state of the oil..

 

I smell mine, oil that is.

 

It's the taste that really matters...

 

Cost of 25 litres (approx 6.6 gallons) of Redline racing oil = $560 (at $85/gallon)

Cost of Blackstone analysis = $25

Marc

 

It's not BS.....

Visible particulates in oil is a real problem. But, if your filtration system is working well, your engine could be experiencing significant wear that would not show up on your paper towel test. In other words, if your oil passes the "paper towel" test, all you know is nothing.

The only way to manage longer drain intervals with synthetic oils is through oil analysis.

Scott

 

It's not BS.....

Visible particulates in oil is a real problem. But, if your filtration system is working well, your engine could be experiencing significant wear that would not show up on your paper towel test. In other words, if your oil passes the "paper towel" test, all you know is nothing.

The only way to manage longer drain intervals with synthetic oils is through oil analysis.

Scott

 

It seems to me the lab would need 2 samples; 1 before and 1 after running the car. Otherwise how relative would the analysis be?

I change mine every 2 events unless it is hot. In that case, I change it after each event. Job Gibbs VP5

 

Sorry but thats just a ludicrous amount of money to spend for oil on a car that isnt professionally raced or making a million hp

 

That is not necessarily the cost the OP spends on an oil change - I just selected a possible oil choice and looked up the bulk cost.

Regardless, the point is that an analysis is cheap compared to guessing.

Marc

 

I am glad you don't get to choose what oil I run in my race car!

Scott

 

No, most labs have enough data for the same engine type to provide useful information about oil condition and wear.

Go here and look at the sample report along with the explanations of each field:

http://www.blackstone-labs.com/report-explanation.php

Scott

 

Just out of curiousity, but how often do you guys change your gearbox oil?

 

My trans oil temps typically run 185-190 F and I change my synthetic trans fluid typically every 4 race just for safety.

 

When it stops leaking!

Or actually once a year. I know it should be more. The poor old 901...

 

When it stops leaking!

Matt, that's awesome!