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Engine Mechanical TopicsDiscussion for motor builds, cams, head work, stripped bolts and other engine related issues. The good and the bad. If it goes round and around or up and down, post it here.
Keep in mind the oil analysis is used for the condition of the oil more so than the engine. While yes, excessive metals may indicate impending failure, it is not generally used for that.
Well now. I guess all those fleet operators using oil analysis to determine what machines needed repair now are incorrect. But is if just one method for analysis.
Years ago I built an all bore 107" motor using an Axtell Mountain motor kit. Never ran right, cylinders would not hold a true bore and failed in less than 1000 miles. Axtell called "operator error", dirty build, too much timing. I wanted Axtell to replace the kit but their solution was to have me rebore the cylinders to fit a set of .010" over pistons they would be happy to sell me. Second build with new pistons failed just like the first; cylinders would not hold a true bore. At that point, I was done with Axtell, bought cylinders from MTC engineering, the .010" over JE pistons from Axtell were within spec so bored the new cylinders to fit those pistons, motor ran like a champ 124TQ/110HP for thousands of miles.
Long way around to get to the point. I was concerned that after the two rebuilds and the damage to the first set of rings/pistons could have resulted in some metal traveling in the oil so I sent a sample to Blackstone. The analysis was complete and based on the analysis Blackstone included their evaluation of the condition of the motor. No metal in the oil, healthy motor that should stay healthy for many more miles.
Well now. I guess all those fleet operators using oil analysis to determine what machines needed repair now are incorrect. But is if just one method for analysis.
they use it to determine how far they can go between service before the oil no longer protects. You can have a perfect oil report and suddenly a rod lets loose or a valve drops. And your analysis told you nothing impending about it.
they use it to determine how far they can go between service before the oil no longer protects. You can have a perfect oil report and suddenly a rod lets loose or a valve drops. And your analysis told you nothing impending about it.
Of course some parts fail without warning.
The purpose on oil analysis is to spot an unusual trend in the oil, high iron, coolant or fuel presence, high aluminum etc, which can most certainly tell you there is a problem that needs attention.
Oil analysis is not for the oil, it is for the machine.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Oct 2, 2025 at 10:56 AM.
I've used them twice over my 80k+ miles, both times after significant long-distance / long duration trips (6~8k miles). These are trips that include multiple days of running 8~10 hours (or more) of highway in a day.
Provides me peace of mind re: the "wear and tear" on the motor or the oil. Based on my last report (few weeks ago), things are looking good for my engine.
Tells me I'm doing something right with my maintenance products and intervals. I'll continue to use them following long-distance runs in the future.
I ordered my first oil test kit for my 2013 Dyna. Never did this before and am looking to see just how much the engine is wearing and where.. I should've done a base line from when I first built this motor so it'll be hard to tell just where I'm at but I would think this is one of those thing where it's never to late.. I will post up as info comes in..
I used them for my Corvette and my son's car. I can get tests much cheaper by going to one of my work locations, but the convenience of the whole thing and their report was worth it to me.
I received my oil analysis and I guess it doesn't look too good.. However, I have no issues to date.. No unusual noises etc.. No loss of compression, bike is running very well..
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; Oct 28, 2025 at 05:52 AM.
I can't make out the column headings but under properties it seems to suggest more than expected fuel is in the oil with the oil down on its viscosity. Slightly diluted oil. Does that indicate some wear in the bores or rings?
I think I would put both those unfortunate events in the "**** happens" column; nothing to do with oil analysis.
exactly. Meaning the analysis is used to determine how far you can run the oil before changing. Fleets use it to lower costs by reducing unnecessary maintenance if the oil is still serviceable. Detecting a possible failure is a side effect, not the primary use. Ive done oil analysis programs in both fleet tractors and in aviation. In both cases its primary use is oil condition for extended maintenance intervals.
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