Engine Oil Analysis - Why?

An oil analysis program is an important part of engine maintenance. It provides information about the condition of the oil, and the engine. For instance, wear metals can indicate which engine components may be failing, and if the wear is becoming significant it can signal a bigger problem. This information can make the difference between a minor component repair or a major overhaul. The knowledge gained from a consistent oil analysis program can help you optimize drain intervals, increase engine reliability, and minimize unplanned downtime. These factors can contribute to lowering operating costs.

Routine oil analysis tests for engines will typically include:

Viscosity

- A measurement of the resistance-to-flow of a specific temperature in relation to time and can indicate component and/or lubricant degradation

- A viscosity increase or decrease from one grade to the next is a warning that the oil has reached the end of its useful life

Acid Number/Base Number

- Acid Number is a measurement of the quantity of acidic derivatives that have accumulated during an industrial oils life

- Base Number is a measurement of the reserve alkalinity in diesel or gasoline engine lubricants and is directly related to the detergent/dispersant additive package and its ability to counteract acids, sludge and varnish

- Acid and Base number respectively are excellent indicators of oil serviceability and should be included for all oil analyses when oil quality and service life is critically important, such as when oil drain intervals are being considered or necessar

Spectrochemical Analysis on Wear Metals and Additives

- This type of analysis determines the level of wear metals, additives and contaminants in new and used oil

- Wear metal analysis can indicate which engine components are wearing and if the wear is becoming significant

- This information can make the difference between minor component inspections and minor repairs or major overhauls

Remember a 250 ml oil sample represents only a very small percentage of the total oil capacity your engine can hold. It is essential that the oil sample is truly representative of the full volume of oil your engine holds. Looking for an oil analysis laboratory? Check out our list of oil analysis providers here