Oil Analysis
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From: MI
Oil Analysis
Anyone send a sample of their oil out for analysis? I've had my car oil analyzed at Blackstone (Blackstonelabs.com) and have found the results very useful. Their analysis gave me a good idea as to when to change the oil in the car. That is, I could extend my changes to 7000-8000 miles. Of course I wouldn't wait that long for the bike, but their reports will give you a good breakdown of the wear of the internals.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 3
From: NYC
it seems for the cost of a few qt's of oil you could have it analyzed to determine if you can run it longer.
my bike has a service duty of 5K miles but tipically I change it every year which results in it being changed between 2K and 3k miles.
might be some warranty issues if you extend the service interval beyond 5k.
my bike has a service duty of 5K miles but tipically I change it every year which results in it being changed between 2K and 3k miles.
might be some warranty issues if you extend the service interval beyond 5k.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,331
Likes: 56
From: north of Daytona
What are you having your oil tested for? Viscosity? Metals? Water?
You can have your oil tested for many things, but unless they have a history of the engine...just because they find iron/aluminum/or steel in your oil...does not mean something is wrong. Things 'wear'...and it is that history that tells whether something is wearing more than normal.
Me? I change my oil on schedule...you though.....could save $40 (or more) by extending the miles.
Chuck
You can have your oil tested for many things, but unless they have a history of the engine...just because they find iron/aluminum/or steel in your oil...does not mean something is wrong. Things 'wear'...and it is that history that tells whether something is wearing more than normal.
Me? I change my oil on schedule...you though.....could save $40 (or more) by extending the miles.
Chuck
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
What a coincidence that you asked this question today. I changed my oil yesterday and saved a quart to send in for analysis. I even requested a sample mailing package from Blackstone today. I've never had this done before.
The reason I'm considering it this time is that I inadvertently ran my last oil change 7200 miles. Don't ask me how I did that. I'm trying to figure it out myself. The miles just accumulated without me realizing I had been riding so much.
I sure no damage was done but just for my own peace of mind I thought I'd sample it and see if it comes back ok. If it doesn't, oh well, too late now.
As for the warranty question, if you extend your intervals based on oil sample analysis I think you'd have a pretty good chance of winning any claim. Remember, in order to deny a warranty claim the manufacturer would have to prove that your extended interval was the cause. With a laboratory analysis showing the condition of the oil as acceptable, HD would be hard pressed to prove otherwise.
The reason I'm considering it this time is that I inadvertently ran my last oil change 7200 miles. Don't ask me how I did that. I'm trying to figure it out myself. The miles just accumulated without me realizing I had been riding so much.
I sure no damage was done but just for my own peace of mind I thought I'd sample it and see if it comes back ok. If it doesn't, oh well, too late now.
As for the warranty question, if you extend your intervals based on oil sample analysis I think you'd have a pretty good chance of winning any claim. Remember, in order to deny a warranty claim the manufacturer would have to prove that your extended interval was the cause. With a laboratory analysis showing the condition of the oil as acceptable, HD would be hard pressed to prove otherwise.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From: MI
What are you having your oil tested for? Viscosity? Metals? Water?
You can have your oil tested for many things, but unless they have a history of the engine...just because they find iron/aluminum/or steel in your oil...does not mean something is wrong. Things 'wear'...and it is that history that tells whether something is wearing more than normal.
Me? I change my oil on schedule...you though.....could save $40 (or more) by extending the miles.
Chuck
You can have your oil tested for many things, but unless they have a history of the engine...just because they find iron/aluminum/or steel in your oil...does not mean something is wrong. Things 'wear'...and it is that history that tells whether something is wearing more than normal.
Me? I change my oil on schedule...you though.....could save $40 (or more) by extending the miles.
Chuck
When I sent in my car samples, they knew immediately when I was using a Mobil1 oil filter. My samples were cleaner.
And if I'm not mistaken it costs between $20-$25.
Unofficial HDF Chaplain
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 21,158
Likes: 18,080
From: san diego
the correct analysis, would be "Yep, its DIRTY oil"!!
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
See, I woulda got screwed!
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