Oil Analysis and Warranty work
- Thread starter Mavagrand
- Start date
gs34
Junior Member
Good post Smitty, and good explainations. That is ED Zackery how it works.
Whenever you send your sample, they will have a baseline for HD engines, and a baseline for whatever oil you are using. These baselines will show in PPM(parts per million) the amount of all the baseline elements in your particular sample. And, if any of these elements exceeds any of these baselines, they will flag it.
This will also set the perameters for your particular engine and will be compared against future samples.
Remember to take your sample with the oil hot, and in the manner that the testing company perscribes. Be careful because contaminates can be introduced into the sample if you don't use the approved methods of sampling.
Whenever you send your sample, they will have a baseline for HD engines, and a baseline for whatever oil you are using. These baselines will show in PPM(parts per million) the amount of all the baseline elements in your particular sample. And, if any of these elements exceeds any of these baselines, they will flag it.
This will also set the perameters for your particular engine and will be compared against future samples.
Remember to take your sample with the oil hot, and in the manner that the testing company perscribes. Be careful because contaminates can be introduced into the sample if you don't use the approved methods of sampling.
mnultra
Active Member
Smitty and gs34...
Nicely done...I actually work for a Caterpillar dealer and all of what you said is correct. Oil samples will only be effective on a one time basis if there is something in the oil like gasoline, fuel, water or coolant. Oil samples are based upon trends. Even the same year and model machines can have different sample trends. I know a good way to start, and I don't know who you are planning on taking your sample to, is to bring a sample of new motor oil with you to provide the base line. This gives the basic make up of the oil (additives, etc.) that will contribute to a solid starting point. I have not had any experience with HD, but do know of many that have used this for their cages, and with a documented trend line, the OEM's can't argue the results.
Like I said, I don't know who you are taking your sample to but any Caterpillar dealer should be able to do it for about $15 per sample.
I think your best results will come from allowing the first quart of oil to drain, which will clear anything immediately around the drain plug, then capturing your sample.
If you have any questions, let me know. Maybe I can help.
Nicely done...I actually work for a Caterpillar dealer and all of what you said is correct. Oil samples will only be effective on a one time basis if there is something in the oil like gasoline, fuel, water or coolant. Oil samples are based upon trends. Even the same year and model machines can have different sample trends. I know a good way to start, and I don't know who you are planning on taking your sample to, is to bring a sample of new motor oil with you to provide the base line. This gives the basic make up of the oil (additives, etc.) that will contribute to a solid starting point. I have not had any experience with HD, but do know of many that have used this for their cages, and with a documented trend line, the OEM's can't argue the results.
Like I said, I don't know who you are taking your sample to but any Caterpillar dealer should be able to do it for about $15 per sample.
I think your best results will come from allowing the first quart of oil to drain, which will clear anything immediately around the drain plug, then capturing your sample.
If you have any questions, let me know. Maybe I can help.
mnultra
Active Member
Smitty...It seems like less power but what good is power without the traction? Anyway. Glad to hear that you like it. Make sure the FABCO boys treat you right:cheers
I hope to catch up with you on the road sometime after the ice is off the lakes!!
Take care.
silentflyer
Active Member
The oil analysis has been used for years on aircraft engines but is only valid if you do it each oil change and keep the records. In addition I always cut open the old filter on any (auto/aircraft/Harley) engine and look for metal/chips/carbon etc., if you do it each oil change you will get a feel for whats "normal" and when you see something out of the ordinary it will get your attention.