Oil Analysts

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by 941MXVET

JFP,

I spoke with the lab, they do not do TBN's for gas engine samples.

Ask them why not, it is an important value..............

From a well known lab's website:

"Do I Need a TBN?

What is a TBN, and who uses it? In short, a TBN (total base number) measures the amount of active additive left in a sample of oil. The TBN is useful for people who want to extend their oil usage far beyond the normal range.

By comparing the TBN of a used oil to the TBN of the same oil in virgin condition, the user can determine how much reserve additive the oil has left to neutralize acids. The lower the TBN reading, the less active additive the oil has left.
(Note: You do not need to send in a virgin sample for us to run a TBN on your oil. Some people like to send a virgin sample anyway, to find out exactly where the TBN of a specific oil starts out. The cost of a virgin oil sample plus TBN is the same as a regular oil sample plus TBN.)

An oil's function is to lubricate, clean, and cool the engine. Additives are added to the oil to enhance those functions. If the oil becomes too acidic, it will corrode the engine. A good TBN result, meaning plenty of active additive is left in the oil, is usually in the 6.0 to 14.0 range (depending on whether the oil is for gas or diesel engines). A low test result, meaning very little additive is left, is down around 1.

Scientifically speaking, the TBN is one of two "neutralization number" tests run on oils. The TAN (total acid number), which is used for hydraulic oils, is the other. The TBN measures the total basedity of an engine oil; that is, how much base (as in, a base vs. an acid) additive is in the oil to offset the deleterious effects of acids coming into the oil from combustion and other sources. "

[941MXVET]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

[COLOR=Red]Ask them why not, it is an important value..............

I did, they told me that they didn't test for TBN in gasoline engine samples. Since I'm not concerned with finding my maximum change interval, how important is TBN?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by 941MXVET

I did, they told me that they didn't test for TBN in gasoline engine samples. Since I'm not concerned with finding my maximum change interval, how important is TBN?

Very, as it is telling you how the oil is holding up as well as when to consider changing it, a very important issue for the M96........

We run a fair number of UOA’s, both to track how customer cars are doing as well as keeping an eye on how the oil is holding up. We wouldn’t run a UOA without a TBN……………

[941MXVET]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Very, as it is telling you how the oil is holding up as well as when to consider changing it, a very important issue for the M96........

We run a fair number of UOA’s, both to track how customer cars are doing as well as keeping an eye on how the oil is holding up. We wouldn’t run a UOA without a TBN……………

Well I guess I sorry I won't be able to supply that information. I'll contact the lab again and see what it would take to have that done.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by 941MXVET

Well I guess I sorry I won't be able to supply that information. I'll contact the lab again and see what it would take to have that done.

Most labs will tack it on for a few bucks................

[JTP]

Who is a good oil analysis lab to deal with? Can someone who does a lot of UOAs make a recommendation?

[941MXVET]

Originally Posted by JTP

Who is a good oil analysis lab to deal with? Can someone who does a lot of UOAs make a recommendation?

I use:

http://www.cashmanequipment.com/Fluids-Analysis-Program.htm

They keep my company's multimillion dollar gold mining trucks & equiptment running fine.

Also this lab may be the most popular:

http://www.blackstone-labs.com/gas-engine.php