K11 Owners Group

Saltcreek · Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 6:41 pm Post subject: Oil analysis

I recently had a really good experience with Blackstone Laboratories.

http://www.blackstone-labs.com/index.html

They did an analysis on the hydraulic oil in my tractor. It's an 11 gallon change and instead of changing at the service interval I'm now changing based on testing.

They also do a specific motorcycle test which can identify problems before they become big problems. Basic testing costs $22.50 and they're very easy to deal with.

I have no financial interest in Blackstone.
_________________
Jim

1994 K1100LT Mystic Red, bfd, 37000 miles, sold Sad

2009 Wilderness Systems Zephyr 155 ST
2002 Litespeed titanium

Off the grid · Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 7:09 pm Post subject:

So you send them a sample of your oil at the time of a due change and they analyze it?

How do you send oil in the mail?
_________________
Bane of your existence since July 2006
2007 Triumph Tiger ABS. "Sabertooth"
2009 Husqvarna TE610. "The dirty Italian mistress"

Saltcreek · Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 7:27 pm Post subject:

Shoganai · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 2:27 am Post subject:

What can I learn from the data they send me?
_________________
1993 K1100RS aka The Shop Whore
1994 K1100RS aka Blue Streak

The long road is a rainbow and the pot of gold lies there.
So slip the chain and I'm off again,
You'll find me everywhere. I'm a Rover. - JT

Nana korobi ya oki

Jim · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 3:32 am Post subject:

Gwen - I think you'd need to send in multiple samples taken during thousands of miles for them to get a history on your engine. Looks like they typically want 1,500 to 2,000 miles between samples.

They can tell how well your oil is holding up - and recommend how often to change it. They can identify foreign substances, unusual engine wear, etc.

http://www.blackstone-labs.com/motorcycle_report_1.html
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

Shoganai · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 5:36 am Post subject:

Thanks Jim. Very Happy

_________________
1993 K1100RS aka The Shop Whore
1994 K1100RS aka Blue Streak

The long road is a rainbow and the pot of gold lies there.
So slip the chain and I'm off again,
You'll find me everywhere. I'm a Rover. - JT

Nana korobi ya oki

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 8:34 am Post subject:

Sounds like the same kind of analysis that other places offer for industrial equipment.

Sulliar offers it for their air compressors, Cat offers it for their big engines, etc.....

Not a bad idea if you do it often enough for a trackable history on the expensive equipment.
Not sure if I would personally have it done on the bikes. Just change the oil at the recommended intervals and ride....
ANYTHING mechanical is going to wear out. Like some other events of life, it's inevitable.
_________________
Ride safe.

1997 K1100LT 0302488
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
Garmin StreetPilot 2820
Garmin Zumo 550
Garmin Zumo XT
"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb
1995 K1100LT 0302044(R.I.P.)
1997 R1100RT ZC62149(sold)

Phil Marvin · Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2008 10:02 pm Post subject:

BobZ(IL) · Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2008 11:27 pm Post subject:

Fleet operators with diesel engines such as school buses often utilize oil analysis on an ongoing basis to watch for wear and to help determine remaining service life.

But diesels are much different than our little darlings.
_________________
'93 K1100LT
'78 R100S
'05 R1200GS
BMWMOA, CRBMWOA, ABC, K11OG #997

Live well, do good work, enjoy the ride.