Used oil Analysis Blackstone vs. Cat

[JayG]

I was curious, so I had identical samples from my last oil change tested by both Blackstone and CAT. The CAT analysis ($19) is less $ than Blackstone ($25 + postage). CAT is really fast, a day or 2 and Blackstone take longer, mainly due to mailing it

Interesting that they gave different results. I would think that since the sample came out of the same oil, they would be almost identical and you can see the results are different.

The only difference was I did not send in the Blackstone sample for a few weeks after the oil change and the CAT sample was the next day

I know Jake Raby swears by the CAT analysis, but in looking at them it appears the Blackstone one shows more metals. I have to change the oil on my 996 soon and will do a double analysis as well and see what the results are.

Any ideas as to why they got different results. The Blackstone one is certainly easier to read

[Chuck W.]

That's odd that they would show different results. Blackstone's report is much more user friendly. I was curious about Cat's reports too. Thanks for doing this and posting.

[JFP in PA]

It is not unusual for different labs to generate different results. It all has to do with how the tests are run (methodology), what type of equipment is used and how often said equipment is calibrated and tested. We fed multiple labs oil samples that were dosed with specific levels of certain metals, plus unusual things that really should not be there, just to see if they would find it. We settled on an FAA certified lab that does work for the airline industry, because they caught everything we did. Unfortunately, they normally do not accept outside work, but as the lab owner is also a Porsche owner, they agreed to do work for us under contract in return for taking car of his cars (quid pro quo).

[thstone]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

It is not unusual for different labs to generate different results. It all has to do with how the tests are run (methodology), what type of equipment is used and how often said equipment is calibrated and tested.

+1. ^^^^ What JFP said.

I would suggest only comparing tests from a single lab as whatever errors or biases are in the data are likely to consistent from test to test.

[Chuck W.]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

they agreed to do work for us under contract in return for taking car of his cars (quid pro quo).

Very cool.

[Flavor 987S]

JayG, very nice UOA. That's one of the better (best) UOA's I've seen for M1 0W40. Your 996 likes it. It would be interesting to see if you ran Mobil 5W50 for 2 oil change intervals if the Alum, Iron, and Copper would drop a ppm or two. Shear viscosities would certainly improve.

[Jake Raby]

No way those are the same oils that were tested. Something got mixed up somewhere, guaranteed as the results have a ton of differential in them.

The CAT tests looks to be the one thats off, because no way in hell does M1 0-40 have 1250 PPM Zn! The 1060 number that Blackstone has is spot on for that oil. Please don't think I am bragging about Blackstone, because I certainly am not.

Of course the Blackstone is easier to read, because they tell you a bunch of crap to make you feel better. Its all unicorns and rainbows.

That said, we don't use CAT only, I use CAT when I want to see particulate counts, or when I know an engine has wear and I want to grade that wear. ALS is the stand by for typical UOA thats non- developmental.

I would bring this up to CAT, it sounds like they gave you someone else's results.

[JayG]

Thanks for your feedback Jake.

I thought it was a little odd that some of the numbers were so different

I am about to do an oil change on my 996 and I will send samples to both CAT and Blackstone for another comparison. This time I'll keep an extra sample in case I want to do a 3rd test

[jpc763]

Originally Posted by JayG

Thanks for your feedback Jake.

I thought it was a little odd that some of the numbers were so different

I am about to do an oil change on my 996 and I will send samples to both CAT and Blackstone for another comparison. This time I'll keep an extra sample in case I want to do a 3rd test

Hey Jay,

Did you ever do the double analysis of your 996 oil?

I just ordered a blackstone kit and I am going to my local CAT to pick up a kit ($14.95 here in CO :dance and was wondering if you saw similar differences in your test this time around.

Thanks, John

[JayG]

I changed the oil on my 996 a few weeks ago and got the Blackstone report so far. I did save a couple of extra samples, just need to get one over to CAT.

Let us know your results as well

[jpc763]

Originally Posted by JayG

Let us know your results as well

I have not gotten the blackstone report but here is the CAT report.




John

[jpc763]

Here is the Blackstone report