oil analysis

Im also curious

 

I do one at every service. Problems can start up in only 20,000 miles and its good to see whats happening as soon as possible. I use horizon which comes pre packaged with the OPS eco pure unit I have. Stay away from speedco samples since they are not as accurate. The important thing is to watcht he trends. Compare samples after every service and see if things are getting better or worse. This will show you developing problems before they get out of hand.

 

Your local CAT house sells sample kits for $12. They do their oil analysis in house. The price includes a pre-paid USPS envelope to drop your sample in the mailbox after you take it. Do it every oil change it's really cheap insurance. Also good to have documented with CAT when you decide to sell.

 

How inaccurate are SpeedCo's analysis??

 

somebody told somebody that heard it at the TS
that Speedco only uses testers that failed chemistry

 

kevin Rutherford couldn't have said it better. I do think kevin is a bit biased somewhat cause eco pure is a major sponsor, not that that's bad, but just a natural occurrence, you don't bite the hand that's feeds you

 

I have used Polaris Labs for many years. Don't have an OPS, I have FS2500. I have also used Speedco 6 or 7 times. I never had a false high on Speedco as compared to Polaris. I don't think Speedco is anywhere near as accurate as Polaris, but will give good ballpark numbers.

For those that don't change your own oil, but want to use a quality lab like Polaris, Polaris sells a variety of sample valves you can install. Then you can pull a sample any time you want.

Any time you have have a hit on an oil sample, you want to take another sample and send it in. Don't spend a bunch of money because of one sample. Verify the results, doesn't matter it your using Speedco, Polaris, Cat or any lab. Get another sample to verify the results.

 

Good to know that USPS is behind the shipping on this; Drivers can expect to see the results between summer solstice and winter equinox.

 

Always have my results within 72 hours from mailing it(granted, not counting weekends as the oil lab is closed). Mine are through CAT as well & go over to IA.