Thumbs up to Blackstone Labs - Oil Report
Thumbs up to Blackstone Labs - Oil Report
I know a lot of people have posted links to this business (and others) on various threads, but I wanted to give out some feedback on how it went with me.
Overall, everything was pretty darn easy and quick. I ordered the collection kit online, and within less than a week it was at my house. Basically its a small cannister you put the oil in, a small form to fill out regarding basic info like miles on the engine, miles on the oil, type of engine, etc, and a can to ship everything in.
You only need to collect about 4oz of oil to send to them. You can do this either during an oil change obviouisly, or also, between changes. If you are between changes they recommend drawing out of the dip-stick tube with a small pump. I think you can get these at your local auto store. It comes with instructions, suggestions, etc so there isnt much guessing to it. Also the website it pretty informative.
In any event, I collected the sample, shipped it in, and within a few days I had my report. Total time: less than 2 weeks. The report is totally persoanlized, keeping a running history of your engine over various samples including metals in the oil, water, fuel, antifrieze, etc, as well as a comment section that explains in english if your engine has any problems or not. Total cost $20+shipping.
They are able to tell exactly what could be wrong with your engine. If you have bearings that are going bad, they will tell you. If you are getting major blow-by...they will tell you. If you are leaking coolant into the engine, they will tell you, etc. This could save you thousands in repairs if you catch a problem before you have a major failure.
Fortunately my stock '05 with 15k came out well, as I would expect for a car that is so new.
Anyways, here is the website: http://www.blackstone-labs.com/index.html
Im not trying to sell anyone on this particular company, anyone that can do this would be fine. I just like the way this business operates. So I strongly recommend them.
Also, FYI, they also can do the same thing with trans/tcase/diff fluid as well. So I hope all of you with noisy drivetrains just perked your ears up a bit.
All in all, quite a bit of piece of mind for $20. Of course its not the end-all-be-all, and it wont predict sudden failure, but its pretty darn good. Prolly one of the best 20 dollar bills I have spent on my car thus far.
Overall, everything was pretty darn easy and quick. I ordered the collection kit online, and within less than a week it was at my house. Basically its a small cannister you put the oil in, a small form to fill out regarding basic info like miles on the engine, miles on the oil, type of engine, etc, and a can to ship everything in.
You only need to collect about 4oz of oil to send to them. You can do this either during an oil change obviouisly, or also, between changes. If you are between changes they recommend drawing out of the dip-stick tube with a small pump. I think you can get these at your local auto store. It comes with instructions, suggestions, etc so there isnt much guessing to it. Also the website it pretty informative.
In any event, I collected the sample, shipped it in, and within a few days I had my report. Total time: less than 2 weeks. The report is totally persoanlized, keeping a running history of your engine over various samples including metals in the oil, water, fuel, antifrieze, etc, as well as a comment section that explains in english if your engine has any problems or not. Total cost $20+shipping.
They are able to tell exactly what could be wrong with your engine. If you have bearings that are going bad, they will tell you. If you are getting major blow-by...they will tell you. If you are leaking coolant into the engine, they will tell you, etc. This could save you thousands in repairs if you catch a problem before you have a major failure.
Fortunately my stock '05 with 15k came out well, as I would expect for a car that is so new.
Anyways, here is the website: http://www.blackstone-labs.com/index.html
Im not trying to sell anyone on this particular company, anyone that can do this would be fine. I just like the way this business operates. So I strongly recommend them.
Also, FYI, they also can do the same thing with trans/tcase/diff fluid as well. So I hope all of you with noisy drivetrains just perked your ears up a bit.
All in all, quite a bit of piece of mind for $20. Of course its not the end-all-be-all, and it wont predict sudden failure, but its pretty darn good. Prolly one of the best 20 dollar bills I have spent on my car thus far.
