Used oil analysis
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Ultimate HDF Member
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From: 'Noke, VA
Used oil analysis
So I sent an oil sample from the FLHTK to Blackstone Labs for analysis. There's an awful lot of (what I consider) BS on the various Harley forums about what sort of oil you "should" use, and how often it needs to be changed. And then there's the whole "oh noes, it runs so HOT" thing. I'm hoping to put all that to rest.
I was in a hurry, so I drained the oil cold. I think that explains some of the high mineral counts. The oil was in for 5,600 miles, and took me to Eureka Springs and back, as well as to Florida and back. There was an awful lot of highway running, a good thousand + miles of high rpm backroad riding, and the remainder was commuting (and being stuck in traffic) and normal cruising. The oil was in the motor for less than 4 weeks. Ambient temperatures ranged from the low 80s to 105. My air filter was filthy, so I think that explains the elevated silicon number.
I'm a little concerned about the viscosity rise, but I'll wait for my next sample to start panicking.
I was in a hurry, so I drained the oil cold. I think that explains some of the high mineral counts. The oil was in for 5,600 miles, and took me to Eureka Springs and back, as well as to Florida and back. There was an awful lot of highway running, a good thousand + miles of high rpm backroad riding, and the remainder was commuting (and being stuck in traffic) and normal cruising. The oil was in the motor for less than 4 weeks. Ambient temperatures ranged from the low 80s to 105. My air filter was filthy, so I think that explains the elevated silicon number.
I'm a little concerned about the viscosity rise, but I'll wait for my next sample to start panicking.
Last edited by '05Train; Jul 14, 2010 at 05:35 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: N Dak
Back when I was in the Army our mechanic would do POL samples of tranny and oil on the hummers. We beat these things to death. They would not change a Fluid at all till the POL testers said to. That is sand, water, mud, pretty much anything you can think of. Oil stayed clean for a long time. Almost like changing your oil in your car at 3000 miles. They have had us tricked for years. I run Mobil 1 in my chevy and change it every once a year. I do only drive it about 5-6 thousand a year though. Just my 2 cents.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: N. Texas
If your concerned callblackstone and they can give you more information. I did on my diesel and I found out the oil I used had more additives of a certain type and that why a couple things were high. They will talk your ear off.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Bay Area
May I suggest next time take the sample when the oil is warm, this way the particles are more suspended in the oil and the readings probably be as concentrated as a cold sample when everything has settled to the bottom.
I also noticed this is your first sample, Ive been monitoring oil samples for a long time and the initial test usually reads higher, once a baseline is established the future readings should drop.
I also noticed this is your first sample, Ive been monitoring oil samples for a long time and the initial test usually reads higher, once a baseline is established the future readings should drop.
Thread Starter
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
May I suggest next time take the sample when the oil is warm, this way the particles are more suspended in the oil and the readings probably be as concentrated as a cold sample when everything has settled to the bottom.
I also noticed this is your first sample, Ive been monitoring oil samples for a long time and the initial test usually reads higher, once a baseline is established the future readings should drop.
I also noticed this is your first sample, Ive been monitoring oil samples for a long time and the initial test usually reads higher, once a baseline is established the future readings should drop.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,999
Likes: 55
From: Bay Area
Back when I was in the Army our mechanic would do POL samples of tranny and oil on the hummers. We beat these things to death. They would not change a Fluid at all till the POL testers said to. That is sand, water, mud, pretty much anything you can think of. Oil stayed clean for a long time. Almost like changing your oil in your car at 3000 miles. They have had us tricked for years. I run Mobil 1 in my chevy and change it every once a year. I do only drive it about 5-6 thousand a year though. Just my 2 cents.
Im doing an extended oil drain test on diesel buses, Im doubling the change interval from 3k -10k to 6k-20k. Im using a 4 micron filter and the oil results are almost the same as new oil and 10x better than oil changed at regular intervals w/o the 4 micron filter. This is on dino oil too.
