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Professional Oil Analysis Services
What Is An Oil Analysis?

Do you know oil tells a story and provides a working history of your equipment as well as the condition of your lubricant? By analyzing used engine oil, a qualified lab can determine the degree of protection the oil is delivering and make certain the oil has not been contaminated. Oil / Fluid Analysis also can detect impending engine failure.

Oil (or Fluid) Analysis is a process for determining the chemical properties of a lubricant. It’s often used to detect mechanical issues before major failures occur. It is often used as part of a preventative maintenance program. Oil Analysis helps motorists derive the longest life from their AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oiland from their engines.

As part of a preventative maintenance program, fluid analysis can help owners and operators be proactive in their maintenance practices to help increase equipment productivity and eliminate costly downtime.

The cost of routine fluid analysis far outweighs the costs to replace major equipment on large industrial equipment, commercial and passenger car vehicles.

Used oil samples are analyzed for specific physical properties, contaminant levels and wear debris from the equipment to determine if the oil can remain in service. Oil Analysis can also monitor the wear rate of the equipment and detect if wear is elevated beyond acceptable limits.

For those reluctant to extend Oil Drain Intervals, Oil Analysis provides evidence that AMSOIL motor oils have exception performance and protection capabilities in extended service.

The fact that Drain Intervals can be extended past the typical "recommended" intervals, when using a high-quality Full Synthetic Motor Oil such as AMSOIL Signature Series, has been repeatedly proven and demonstrated countless times by industry-standard ASTM tests, long-term field studies and subsequent engine tear-downs, and Oil Analysis.

Fluid Analysis can help you Save Money, Maximize Oil Drain Intervals, Extend Equipment Life, Prevent Major Problems, Maximize Asset Reliability, and Increase Resale Value.

For more on Oil/Fluid Analysis, see About Fluid Analysis



Used Oil Analysis: A Diagnostic Tool

Many people on various car and oil forums try to choose an oil brand/type by comparing different Oil Analysis Reports, but they are totally missing the point of UOAs.

The purpose of Used Oil Analysis is not to compare one Oil Brand (or type) with another Oil Brand - they are not meant to be used to discriminate one lubricant from another.

UOAs are really only a diagnostic tool (one of many) to help determine the condition of the oil - if it needs to be drained or if it is safe for it to remain in service - and to provide some information regarding the level of wear metals in the oil, which will help you monitor wear patterns and wear rates of specific components in your engine. Note: "Wear rates" are often more dependent on a given engine's component design and materials than they are on the motor oil that is being used in it.

UOAs will help you determine if the motor oil you're using is adequately protecting your engine or not, and will also help you monitor the rate of additive depletion. Sampling and analyzing on a regular basis establishes a baseline of normal wear and can help indicate when abnormal wear or contamination is occurring.

UOAs also help diagnose certain issues, such as excessive fuel dilution of the oil or a coolant leak, and help to identify other potentially damaging contaminants and insolubles such as silicates, soot/carbon, dirt, etc. Higher insoluble percentages often indicate insufficient or inadequate air and/or oil filtration.

The bottom line is, if you're using the "correct" oil (type/viscosity/API rating) that is spec'd for your particular engine and climate (assuming it is a high quality oil from a reputable brand like AMSOIL) and changing it at reasonable intervals, your engine will (at least it should) last a very long time and remain in good operating condition.In the past, Oil Analysis was usually only used by large companies for their machinery and large truck fleets to determine wear rates and condition of their equipment and to see how far their could safely push their oil changes.

Now that doesn't mean that Fluid Analysis is not important or isn't useful for today's car engines - it can be - however, the main purpose of Oil Analysis is to determine if it's safe to extend your Oil Change Intervals.

If you plan to extend your drain intervals to, say 25,000 mi (40,000 km) or 1 year, you better make darn sure you are using a high-quality Full Synthetic Extended Drain Oil, such as AMSOIL Premium 100% Synthetic Motor Oil, which has a good robust additive pack and high starting TBN levels (note: an oil's Total Base Number affects it's ability to neutralize acids in the oil - the greater the number, the greater the amount of acidic by-products the oil can neutralize and the longer it can remain in service). And in this case, I would highly recommend getting your oil analyzed.

You can learn a lot from UOAs but there are a lot of things that they cannot tell you. For instance, they won't tell you how much carbon build-up is on the back of the intake valves of your GDI engine and at what rate it is accumulating. A UOA cannot and will not tell you if 'Oil A' is doing a better job than 'Oil B' at preventing/reducing this carbon build-up.

Also, an Oil Analysis doesn't tell us which "base oils" were used in the formulation - whether they are primarily from Groups II/III or from Groups IV/V for instance - or what percentage of each of those base oils was used in the blend.

Additionally, there are some additives in the finished motor oil that simply will not show up in an inexpensive Oil Analysis. Nor will that analysis tell us anything regarding the synergistic effects of those various additives (i.e. how they interact and work together in the blend).  [See also: Can I Mix Different Motor Oils?]

How the Program Works


Oil Analyzers INC. is a fully equipped oil analysis laboratory staffed by highly trained analysts. It offers a complete line of fluid analysis services, including engine oil analysis, drivetrain fluid analysis and industrial lubricant analysis.

Oil Analyzers normally turns out reports one working day after the sample is received. When a time-sensitive condition is detected, OAI calls with the information.

With Oil Analyzers, you can get a look “inside” your equipment and get the story without costly teardowns or unnecessary lubricant changes. This can reduce maintenance costs as well as provide peace of mind knowing that your equipment is safe and not wearing out at an excessive rate.

Oil Analyzers has many years of experience testing synthetic and petroleum lubricants. This allows them to provide quality analysis no matter which type of lubricant you use. Be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to protecting your investment.

Oil Analysis doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. By following the easy Oil Analyzer process, you will receive your analysis report in no time and have the peace of mind knowing the condition of your equipment and the lubricating fluid.

Purchase Your Kit

To begin using the Oil Analyzer program, you must first purchase a Kit to receive all of the necessary equipment, along with instructions on how to sample your oil. Everything you need is included! *

CLICK HERE to select and purchase your Oil Analysis Kit directly from AMSOIL's main website.

*An oil pump is a helpful tool for drawing oil samples where a petcock or sampling port is not available or difficult to access. If this is your first time performing an oil sample you may purchase your pump HERE.              

The Analysis

Oil Analyzers tailors the tests performed to the type of machinery tested. This ensures that you will receive the most comprehensive analysis possible.

Oil Analyzers Fluid Analysis is performed at independent ISO 17025 A2LA accredited testing laboratories. This is the highest level of quality attainable by a testing laboratory backed by the most stringent accrediting body in the industry. You can be confident that the results you receive are accurate, repeatable and traceable to a standard.

Oil Analyzers personalized reports are easy to understand and include recommendations so you know exactly what you should do to provide the best care for your equipment. In addition, Oil Analyzers customer service representatives are available by phone and email to answer questions.

Reporting & Registration

Once your sample has been received, testing will begin. The average time it takes to complete an analysis is between 24-72 hours. Oil Analyzers online reporting software, HORIZON ®, delivers your results soon after sample processing is complete.

The software's management reports take your fluid-analysis program to the next level by helping you manage your data and your program efficiently and effectively.

At Oil Analyzers we understand that everyone works on a different schedule. That is why we are happy to provide multiple reporting alternatives to ensure that you receive your results in the way that is most convenient to you.

Fluid Sampling and Trend Analysis


The first step in any fluid analysis program is obtaining a sample. Regular sampling and trend analysis (monitoring test data over an extended period of time) provides the information needed to continually maximize asset reliability and increase profits.

Comparing a component's most recent samples to its historical data is instrumental in identifying trends that can indicate potential problems or possible failure.

More on Sampling & Trend Analysis

Best Practices

Fluid Analysis is most effective when samples are representative of typical operating conditions. Dirt, system debris, water and light fuels tend to separate from lubricants and coolants when system temperatures cool.

For optimum results:

1. The component sampled should be brought to operating temperature prior to sampling. This will assure that the insoluble and semi-soluble material is suspended evenly throughout the system. Samples taken from components that have been inactive for long periods are not representative.

2. Samples should be taken at regularly scheduled intervals.

3. Sample should always be taken in the same manner and from the same sampling point each time.

4. Do not sample a component directly after an oil change or after a large amount of makeup oil has been added.

5. Always use a clean, dry, unbreakable container. Never reuse containers or sampling tubing.

Suggested Sampling Intervals and Methods

Although an equipment manufacturer's recommendations provide a good starting point for developing preventative maintenance practices, sampling intervals can easily vary.A piece of equipment's importance to production is a major consideration for determining sampling frequency, as are environmental factors such as hot, dirty operating conditions, short trips with heavy loads and excessive idle times.

Suggested Sampling Intervals and Methods Chart

Methods for collecting an Oil Sample

Obtaining fluid samples is relatively simple, regardless of the application. Sampling methods may vary according to the type of equipment from which the sample is taken.

Mobile vehicles typically require a vacuum pump while common industrial applications may give direct access through a sample valve or system reservoir. Some industrial equipment may require a vacuum pump.

1. Sample Pump MethodRequest a sample pump when ordering your sample kit. The pump will come with complete instructions and will enable you to draw a sample quickly and easily. A vacuum pump is used to take samples from a dip stick or non-pressurized system.

2. Sample Valve MethodSome industrial applications have a sampling port through which a sample can be obtained. This sampling method requires the equipment be in operation. The valve should be wiped clean and any stagnant oil should be drained prior to catching a sample run. Ensure the sample valve is securely closed once the sampling process is complete.

3. Sampling from a System Reservoir (Oil Drain Method)Clean the area around the drain plug thoroughly to avoid sample contamination. Allow oil to drain for three to five seconds prior to catching a sample so that contaminants that have settled around the drain are flushed out. Place a clean, dry sample bottle in the oil stream to collect the sample and fill to within 1/2 inch of the top. Seal bottle tightly.

Using the reservoir drain plug is the least desirable method for obtaining an oil sample because the bottom of the reservoir contains elevated amounts of contaminants. It should be used only when the other options are unavailable.

More on Obtaining an Oil Sample

Sampling Tips
  1. Use samples from the drain pan or oil filter only as a last resort. For a failed engine that has had the oil drained, a drain pan or oil filter sample may help detect the cause of the failure.
  2. When taking oil from industrial machinery through a bottom drain, be careful to draw oil until your sample has a uniform, representative appearance.
  3. Good locations for sampling include an oil gallery, the engine crankcase, the drain plug or dipstick tube and the equipment reservoir or sump.
  4. For best results, oil samples should be taken immediately after equipment shutdown, while the equipment is still at operating temperature. It is best to sample your engine at operating temperature just after engine shut-down. This will provide optimized results that more closely simulate “real-world” particle distribution throughout the lubricant. Dirt, water and other debris tend to settle to the bottom of the reservoir while light fuels tend to float. This separation will compromise your analysis.
  5. Avoid prolonged skin contact with used oil. Wash exposed skin with soap and water after exposure.
Caution!  Engine crankcase oil temperatures can exceed 200°F. To avoid personal injury, use protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses and protective clothing.

Submitting an Oil Sample

A component registration form is included with every sample kit. Always complete the Sample Information section of the form. Accurately filling out a registration form, affixing a barcode label to the sample bottle and sending the oil sample to the appropriate lab for analysis are the final steps in submitting an oil sample.

Accurate, thorough and complete lube and equipment information not only allows for in-depth analysis, but can eliminate confusion and difficulties that can occur when interpreting results.

More on Submitting an Oil Sample

Reading the Oil Analyzers Fluid Analysis Report

Once the oil sample is processed, Oil Analyzers provides a complete Fluid Analysis Report detailing customer and equipment information, recommendations, elemental analysis, sample information, contaminants and fluid properties. This information is critical in determining the integrity of both the lubricant and the equipment.

A data analyst's job is to explain and, if necessary, recommend actions for rectifying significant changes in the lubricant or the unit's condition.

How to read the Oil Analyzers Fluid Analysis Report.


Applications

Automotive

Be proactive about vehicle maintenance by taking routine Oil Analysis. The inexpensive, easy to take sample could possibly save you hundreds of dollars by finding mechanical issues before they cause problems.

You will be sent a report showing the condition of your oil, as well as the amount of wear present in your engine. Customers typically test their engine oil, but also can test their transmission fluid, gear oil and coolant.

With Oil Analyzers, you can be confident each time you sit behind the wheel.

Fleet

Oil Analysis is essential for any cost-effective over-the-road trucking program. Extending oil drains can reduce the amount of time that a vehicle needs to be in the shop for maintenance.

Oil Analyzers makes it possible to determine effective drain intervals that do not risk damage to your equipment. As any fleet operator understands, saving a few pennies a mile on maintenance costs can add up very quickly, saving thousands of dollars per year.

Operators typically test engine oils, transmission fluids, gear oils, coolants and diesel fuel.

Agricultural

Agricultural applications can be hard on lubricants. Dirt, heat, and organic matter can all interfere with the intended function of a lubricant.

By using our years of experience analyzing a variety of lubricants in a variety of settings, Oil Analyzers can confidently give you the information you need to keep the equipment maintained on your terms.

Construction

Construction and heavy duty machine applications work under tough conditions, putting lots of stress on lubricants.

Keeping machinery operating is essential, as equipment downtime can result in huge losses and project delays. Our Oil Analysis Program will keep detailed records of how equipment is operating, greatly reducing the possibility of downtime.

Operators typically test engine oils, transmission fluids, gear oils, hydraulic fluids, coolants and diesel fuel.

Industrial

Oil Analyzers industrial program can save you resources by providing reliable and accurate maintenance data. Machinery that is properly maintained will last longer with less downtime.

In addition, practicing extended drain intervals can save a significant amount of money. Operators typically test engine oils, transmission fluids, gear oils, hydraulic fluids, coolants and diesel fuel.

Marine

Lubricants that are used on marine applications are very susceptible to water contamination.

This makes it essential to follow Oil Analyzers marine analysis program, providing a comprehensive test for water contamination. This ensures your lubricant is always working, never leaving you dead in the water.

Operators typically test engine oils, transmission fluids, gear oils, hydraulic fluids, coolants and diesel fuel.

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(807) 853-0807
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