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What is Oil Analysis?
Oil analysis is a quick, nondestructive way to gauge the health of an engine by looking at what's in the oil.

What does a standard analysis include?
In our standard oil analysis, we perform four tests:

Spectral exam: In the spectral exam, we take a portion of your oil sample and run it through a machine called a spectrometer. The spectrometer analyzes the oil and tells us the levels of the various metals and additives that are present in the oil. This gives us a gauge of how much your engine is wearing . To learn more about the elements we look at and where they come from in your oil, go to our Report Explanation page.

Insolubles test: The insolubles test measures the amount of solids that are present in the oil. The solids are formed in several ways: oil oxidation (when the oil breaks down due to the presence of oxygen, accelerated by heat), the effectiveness of the oil filter, and blow-by part the rings. When the insolubles get too high, the oil becomes abrasive. To learn more about insolubles, click here.

Viscosity test:  The viscosity measures the grade, or thickness, of the oil. Whether it's supposed to be a 5W/30, 15W/40, or some other grade, we will know (within a range) what the viscosity should be. If your viscosity falls outside that range, there's probably a reason: the oil could have been overheated or contaminated with fuel, moisture, or coolant. Want to learn more about viscosity? Check out this article.

Flash Point test: This test measures the temperature at which the oil burns. For any specific grade of oil, we know what temperature the oil should flash at. If it flashes at or above that level, the oil is not contaminated. If the oil flashes off lower than it should, then it's probably been contaminated with something. Fuel is the most common contaminant in oil.

We can perform our standard oil analysis on any sample of oil, whether it's engine oil, transmission oil, an oil-based additive, power steering fluid, lube oil, hydraulic oil, or another type of oil.

There are more specialized tests we can perform on an oil sample, depending on your needs. For a complete list of the tests we do and their cost, go to our Tests page.

Standard test costs $22.50 and you send in payment along with your oil.  You must request a kit in advance.  http://www.blackstone-labs.com/free_test_kit.html

Or you can prepay and receive a discounted rate.  http://www.blackstone-labs.com/order_now.html



I just ordered 6 prepaid kits a few weeks ago and this is what I received:

The 6 kits in a box:


Outside of shipping container:


What you see when you take off the lid:


Contents of 1 kit (sorry for blurry pic):


Front side of slip you include:


Back side of slip you include: