Oil Analysis by Oil Analyzers - Why You Should Do It.

[Shatto]

Four dealers and three transmission shops, including the 'Mr. Big' of national transmission chains told me I needed a new transmission.

What was happening was....surging. just a little one, like the torque converter un-locking then re-locking, especially on cruise control.

I couldn't wait so I had changed to Amsoil ATF before the first service, Amsoil fanatics are that way, and began having oil analysis done regularly. So, by the time 100,000 miles rolled around; 1. I had a service history and 2. The surging got irritating.

I called Oil Analyzers, spoke with the guy in the white lab coat and got the following; there was nothing mechanically wrong with the transmission. In fact they were impressed with how much less than specifications for wear had happened.

I chose to believe Amsoil.

That transmission now has 581,000 miles on it.
Well.........I did have to replace the solenoids. You know, the electronic parts.

PS; the surge was caused by the throttle position sensor.

[Amsoil Dealer]

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Thanks Shatto for the post.

For clarification, I will answer the question ...

What is Oil Analysis?

USED OIL ANALYSIS involves sampling and analyzing oil for various properties and materials
to monitor wear and contamination in an engine, transmission or hydraulic system.

- What Oil Analysis is NOT ... (since this has come up before)

A Used Oil Analysis is not beneficial in determining "which brand of oil is best" - and is
only helpful for diagnosing your own personal vehicle's drivetrain and lubricants.

A Used Oil Analysis is "Vehicle Specific" ... and a "Trend Analysis".

A Used Oil Analysis, or UOA for short, is a trend analysis "per vehicle" and reports will be
different "per vehicle". You can not compare across brands or between vehicles.

The primary purpose of used oil analysis is to provide a means of predicting possible
impending failure without dismantling the equipment. A person can "look inside" an engine,
transmission or hydraulic system without taking it apart.

One of the major advantages of an used oil analysis program is being able to anticipate
problems. Early detection with oil analysis can allow for corrective action such as repairing
an air intake leak before major damage occurs.

EARLY DETECTION CAN: Reduce repair bills; reduce catastrophic failures;
increase drivetrain or machinery life; and reduce non-scheduled downtime.

The Importance of USED OIL ANALYSIS:

Oil analysis involves sampling and analyzing oil for various properties and materials to
monitor wear and contamination in an engine, transmission or hydraulic system.

Oil Analysis = Early Detection = Corrective Action.
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Back to the question ...

What is Oil Analysis?

Here is the short answer with bullet points. I will provide more information below.

Oil Analysis is:

A chemical and physical evaluation of a used lubricant. As in the analysis of human blood,
oil analysis provides insight as to the internal condition of equipment and the oil itself.

What Are the Benefits of Oil Analysis?

Oil analysis enables you to: Obtain optimum equipment life by preventing premature equipment failure.Reduce maintenance costs by reducing unscheduled downtime.Identify pending problems before they become catastrophic.Schedule preventive maintenance when it is convenient.Calculate optimum drain intervals to reduce lubricant and disposal costs.Enable better assessment of equipment and lubricant performance.What does an Oil Analysis Measure?

The oil analysis test measures a lubricant’s physical and chemical properties, including
contaminants, additives and wear metals. All of the properties are interdependent and
are evaluated individually to determine the overall quality and serviceability of the oil.
Recommendations are then made regarding the condition of both the equipment - and
the oil. The evaluator’s commentary & recommendations are included within the report.

OIL ANALYSIS CAN DETECT:Fuel dilution of lubrication oil Dirt contamination in the oil Antifreeze in the oil Excessive bearing wear Misapplication of lubricantsSome wear is normal, but abnormal levels of a particular material can give an
early warning of impending problems and possibly prevent a major breakdown.

Oil Analysis = Early Detection = Corrective Action.

[Amsoil Dealer]

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Specifically - What is a USED OIL ANALYSIS ("UOA")???

Oil analysis involves sampling and analyzing oil for various properties and materials to monitor wear and contamination in an engine, transmission or hydraulic system. Sampling and analyzing on a regular basis establishes a baseline of normal wear and can help indicate when abnormal wear or contamination is occurring.

Oil analysis works like this. Oil that has been inside any moving mechanical apparatus for a period of time reflects the exact condition of that assembly. Oil is in contact with engine or mechanical components as wear metallic trace particles enter the oil. These particles are so small they remain in suspension. Many products of the combustion process also will become trapped in the circulating oil. The oil becomes a working history of the machine.

Particles caused by normal wear and operation will mix with the oil. Any externally caused contamination also enters the oil. By identifying and measuring these impurities, you get an indication of the rate of wear and of any excessive contamination. An oil analysis also will suggest methods to reduce accelerated wear and contamination.

The typical oil analysis tests for the presence of a number of different materials to determine sources of wear, find dirt and other contamination, and even check for the use of appropriate lubricants.

OIL ANALYSIS CAN DETECT: Fuel dilution of lubrication oil; dirt contamination in the oil; antifreeze in the oil; excessive bearing wear;
or misapplication of lubricants. Some wear is normal, but abnormal levels of a particular material can give an early warning of impending problems and possibly prevent a major breakdown.

EARLY DETECTION CAN:

Reduce repair billsReduce catastrophic failuresIncrease machinery lifeReduce non-scheduled downtimeEarly detection with oil analysis can allow for corrective action such as repairing an air intake leak before major damage occurs. Probably one of the major advantages of an oil analysis program is being able to anticipate problems and schedule repair work to avoid downtime during a critical time of use.

Another purpose of oil analysis is to provide a means of predicting possible impending failure without dismantling the equipment. A person can "look inside" an engine, transmission or hydraulic systems without taking it apart.

TREND ANALYSIS - A UOA is "vehicle specific"

For the Record, a UOA (Used Oil Analysis) is a trend analysis "per vehicle" and reports will be different "per vehicle". You can not compare across brands or between vehicles.

CONCLUSION

UOA's are not beneficial in determining "which brand of oil is best" ... only helpful for your own personal vehicle. Early detection with oil analysis can allow for corrective action.

Yes, UOA's are very important for extended drains (up to between 25k - 35k with Amsoil) simply to determine if the oil is suitable for continued use (that the base oils and additives are up to specifications).

Note: Amsoil Recommends that with the use of Amsoil Synthetic Oil a vehicle owner can extend their drain interval up to 2 - 3 times longer than recommended by the manufacturer. Beyond that ... UOA's are recommended to determine if the oil is suitable for continued use.

SPECIAL NOTE:

Once you order the "sampling kit" follow the directions very close so as to NOT contaminate the sample. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT.

I could go on-and-on about the merits and benefits of oil analysis. Entire phamplets have been written on the subject. However, the proper lab will do the dirty work and provide you with a "bottom line" interpretation.

[Amsoil Dealer]

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Cost and Convenience of Oil Analysis:

The cost of an oil analysis will vary according to the laboratory and extent of the analysis. Typical charges are $10 to $30 per analysis. The expense easily can be justified if it alerts the owner of a major problem that can be corrected and will help prevent downtime when the vehicle or machine is needed.

Several companies have developed oil analysis kits that make oil analysis convenient. These kits include the sample bottles, suction pump and tubing, and possibly a pre-addressed, postage-paid mailing container.

The reasonable cost and convenience of oil analysis for use makes it another management tool that should be considered by anyone wanting to do preventive maintenance.

[Amsoil Dealer]

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Oil Analyzers Inc. --- Oil Analysis Kit - It's really simple ...

By analyzing used engine oil, a qualified lab can detect mechanical problems.

__________ https://www.amsoil.com/StoreFront/images/oai_kit_300px.jpg __________

Engines of the same type will accumulate contaminants and wear at different
rates. Performing trend analysis on each engine is the most effective method
of giving you an internal look at your equipment and enabling you to deal with
developing problems before they become catastrophic situations.

To assure that the sample extracted is representative of the system,
always follow proper sampling procedures (instructions are included).