Lubricant Testing for the True Cheapskate
The best way to establish realistic oil change intervals is via oil analysis. Of course, on small vehicles which require only 4 or 5 quarts of oil, the cost of the oil analysis is nearly as much as a complete oil change.
Of course, the end result is that most small vehicle owners will chose not to pay for a "true" oil analysis. However, they might be inclined to perform their own "oil analysis", if only they knew how to do it. It won't give you results as accurate and precise as results from the professional lab testing, but it can give you a pretty decent understanding of how well your oil is holding up.
In the next few paragraphs you'll find detailed instructions for 1 of 6 do it yourself oil analysis tests which could be used to determine how well your oil is holding up and whether you should be getting it out of your engine. In this way you can begin to set realistic oil change intervals for your vehicle.
You might also want to consider learning a bit more regarding motor oil and filtration in general. The following sites may prove useful for this purpose.
- No More Oil Changes - tons of motor oil information
- The Motor Oil Evaluator -
- A Motor Oil Forum for discussion of motor oils
Performing the Test
The use of this simple layman's oil analysis test can expose a wide range of potential oil problems that might necessitate an oil change: excessive particulates, condensation build-up, glycol contamination, fuel dilution, failure of dispersant additives, formation of sludge and oxidation products.
Make sure the oil is warm (not hot), allow a drop of oil to fall from your dipstick onto a heavy, white, NON-glossy business card. Lay the paper or business card flat, but so that all but the very edges of the paper is suspended. As a possible example, if you're using stiff card stock or a stiff business card you could set the card across the top of a cup or mug of some sort.
You want to be patient and wait for the oil drop to be completely absorbed which might take awhile. Once all of the oil has been drawn into the pores of the paper you should be able to begin evaluating the condition of your oil.
- A colorless circle or slight yellowish outer ring = "good" oil.
- A dense, dark deposit zone = Dispersancy failure
- A black, pasty zone = Glycol (Anti-freeze) in your engine oil
- Center of circle dark with distinct outside ring = Severely oxidized oil
- A dark center with surrounding rings = Fuel in oil, Fuel dilution
Information for this business card test in: Fitch, J.C., "The Lubrication Field Test and Inspection Guide", Noria Corporation 2000 - 21393
Of course, the end result is that most small vehicle owners will chose not to pay for a "true" oil analysis. However, they might be inclined to perform their own "oil analysis", if only they knew how to do it. It won't give you results as accurate and precise as results from the professional lab testing, but it can give you a pretty decent understanding of how well your oil is holding up.
In the next few paragraphs you'll find detailed instructions for 1 of 6 do it yourself oil analysis tests which could be used to determine how well your oil is holding up and whether you should be getting it out of your engine. In this way you can begin to set realistic oil change intervals for your vehicle.
You might also want to consider learning a bit more regarding motor oil and filtration in general. The following sites may prove useful for this purpose.
- No More Oil Changes - tons of motor oil information
- The Motor Oil Evaluator -
- A Motor Oil Forum for discussion of motor oils
Performing the Test
The use of this simple layman's oil analysis test can expose a wide range of potential oil problems that might necessitate an oil change: excessive particulates, condensation build-up, glycol contamination, fuel dilution, failure of dispersant additives, formation of sludge and oxidation products.
Make sure the oil is warm (not hot), allow a drop of oil to fall from your dipstick onto a heavy, white, NON-glossy business card. Lay the paper or business card flat, but so that all but the very edges of the paper is suspended. As a possible example, if you're using stiff card stock or a stiff business card you could set the card across the top of a cup or mug of some sort.
You want to be patient and wait for the oil drop to be completely absorbed which might take awhile. Once all of the oil has been drawn into the pores of the paper you should be able to begin evaluating the condition of your oil.
- A colorless circle or slight yellowish outer ring = "good" oil.
- A dense, dark deposit zone = Dispersancy failure
- A black, pasty zone = Glycol (Anti-freeze) in your engine oil
- Center of circle dark with distinct outside ring = Severely oxidized oil
- A dark center with surrounding rings = Fuel in oil, Fuel dilution
Information for this business card test in: Fitch, J.C., "The Lubrication Field Test and Inspection Guide", Noria Corporation 2000 - 21393
About the Author:
Interested in knowing what the other 5 DIY oil analysis tests are and how to perform them? Simply click over to my BestSyntheticOil.com site to read the rest of the "Oil Analysis on a Budget" article to determine your proper oil change intervals............
posted by X - Men @ 12:28 AM
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