Oil Analysis

I installed as FS2500 bypass oil filter in my 05 Dodge 2500, 5.9L. After 5000 miles with mineral based oil, I changed out both filters (full-flow and bypass) and had a sample taken of the oil. I then put in Amsoil 15W40 and intend to run it until the oil analysis tells me to change it (with filter changes every 10K of course)

My question is how to read the oil analysis. I have the report that states that the oil I changed was good, but the tech numbers have me baffled. Anybody know where I can go to get a Dummy's guide to oil analysis reports?

 

I applaud your utilization of oil analysis..

Here is a link to a good all around informational page, detailing everything from what you are analyzing, to acceptable numeric ranges.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/whatisoilanalysis.htm

As important as wear metal analysis is, another important property that can't be overlooked is kinematic viscosity.. this is the oils thickness (measured in centistokes, or cst ).

SAE has a chart of the acceptable high and low numbers @ 100 centistokes. if I find it, I'll post it up.

for example, the cst range of unused 15/40 oil is 12.4 - 16.2.

what was the numeric value of your dino oil at 5,000 miles?

what you want to watch for is this number changing over time. this is called "shearing out of grade"..in other words, over time, combustion temps take their toll on the base oil,so the oils capacity to absorb heat and retain its additives is compromised.

this number is a great indictator as to whether the oil really is surviving under your use..

I hope this was helpful..

Tom

 

After re -reading your post, you might want to sample the amsoil sooner rather than later, and then sample the amsoil again in about ten thousand miles or whatever you are comfy with.. thius way, you are comparing amsoil to amsoil, as well as amsoil to mineral.

Apples to apples is always best.

Tom

 

Sample Amsoil sooner

Thanks for the info and advise. I'll take an oil sample at 5000 miles and then another at 10K (and 10K thereafter) so that the "apples to apples" comparison will be meaningful.

I don't have the test results with me, but I'll post them when I get home. The website was very informative. Thanks.

 

The thing to look at when sampling often is trends. Keep an eye on you viscosity and your TBN but also watch for trends in the other numbers. See Silica numbers climbing, got a bad air filter. Once you learn to read tehm the analysis sheets will be great to have.

 

I have started doing Oil Analysis on my truck also. I am running Amsoil 15w-40 with Amsoil EAA oil filters. I am changing & sampling oil at 15K. I have done one sofar & it said everything was good. I am currently waiting the the 2nd analysis to come back in the mail.

With Amsoil EAA or Donaldson filters on a bypass system you shouldn't need to change your filters that often. Both Amsoil & Donaldson say they are good to 25K/1yr with Amsoil oil.

If this analysis comes back good I am going to extend my drain interval to 20K miles with a sample @ 10K & 20K. I hope to get a bypass setup sometime in the near future too.

Harley

 

Hmm I might want to try this sometime as well.

 

A good lab that's been around forever is titan labs.. you can go to titancheckup.com, and have them send you some sample kits..

We also use Staveley labs, located here in cleveland. you can call them at 216-383-8200, and ask them to send you some kits.

Tom

 

Thanks

 

Blackstone labs is another good oil analysis lab. I use them.

 

I have not been home yet to see it in person but my girlfriend read my last oil analysis to me the other day.

13,500 miles w/ Amsoil 15w-40 & Amsoil EA080 filter = oil still good & suitable for continued use. waytogo

Harley