Blackstone Labs, Oil Analysis

Been meaning to post this for a while. I work for Blackstone Laboratories. We analyze oil to put it in its simplest terms. Anything from your cars engine, to space shuttle trawlers, to all sorts of aircraft, and then some. Most useful to people on here is gonna be engine, transmission, transfer case, and differential analysis. We can also test brake fluid for contamination, normally from people pouring in ATF or power steering fluid. We also do testing on gas and diesel fuel. Basically, if its petroleum based, or suspected of contamination of a petroleum product, we can do analysis on it. A lot of people use our testing for extended oil use. Surprisingly, you normally do not need to change your oil every 3 months/3000 miles. That was the biggest thing I didnt believe being a former mechanic, but have since seen the results even in my own vehicles.

I am one of 2 lab operators. Me and the other guy are the ones that actually do the testing of the samples and create the data the analysts use to write up your reports.

Our basic testing costs $25 and includes a spectral analysis, viscosity test, flash point test, and insolubles test. Also available for additional cost are TBN/TAN testing (total base number/total acid number), Particle Count testing, Low Temp Viscosity testing, and other specialty tests. For our available tests, visit http://www.blackstone-labs.com/tests-price-list.php

The spectral analysis breaks the oil down to an elemental level. We test for multiple elements, mostly metals and elements used in additives, etc. We compare those results to your previous samples from that same vehicle/component as well as all the other similar vehicle/components we have tested to give you something to compare to. This is the most important test, and if we can only do one, itll be this one. This is the test that will tell the analysts whats going on inside.

Viscosity testing is just that, tests the viscosity of the oil to see if its still holding what viscosity it originally was, or if its breaking down. This can also be used to help determine fuel, water, or other contamination

In the flash point test we heat the oil until the vapors coming off ignite. This is mostly used to determine fuel contamination. The lower the flash point from normal, the more fuel or other solvent/additive may be present. This test also confirms water in the sample

Insolubles testing determines the amount of solids in the oil. This normally is a good indicator of how well a filtering system is performing. It also shows if there is very heavy wear going on. We mix a portion of the sample with ether, which helps free the solids from the sample, then spin them in a centrifuge while also heating them. When its done, all the solids, as well as water/antifreeze, are left at the bottom of the test tube.

TBN/TAN testing can be used to determine the amount of active additive still remaining in the oil.

Particle Count testing is normally used in hydraulics and other such samples. It gives a number of particles in the sample, but is not normally used for automotive applications.


The process:
You request a FREE sampling kit.

When it arrives you fill clearish bottle with your sample. Fill it as much as you can please.

Wrap the bottle with the grey absorbent material, place it in the baggy.

Fill out the piece of paper with all of the requested info, front and back. Place the baggy (with grey material and full sample bottle), along with the information sheet back into the large black bottle.

Return it to us either by mail (can be sent through the mail with no issues), bring it in yourself and say hi, or get it to me sometime and ill get it in.

Be sure to include payment or payment info if mailing or giving to me to take in.

If we get the sample before noon we can usually get it tested that same day and youll have results by 5:30 normally.

What youll get (through email and hard copy mailed to you if youd like) is a test result sheet. It shows all the data we compiled on your sample, along with a plain english report from one of our analysts.

For more info, or to answer questions, you can either ask here or me personally at a meet or event. You can also check out our site: blackstone-labs.com, or give us a call at 260-744-2380. You can also view sample reports on our website

You can also request kits on the website, by phone, or just ask me and I can get some to you at meets, wheeling trips, etc.

Four Wheeler magazine did an article in 2010 on auto trans and power steering filters. They used Blackstone to analyze the samples to test the performance of the filters. Forgot about posting it here

http://www.fourwheeler.com/techarticles/drivetrain/129_1002_automatic_transmission_and_power_steering_filters/viewall.html