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Engine oil analysis is generally seen as an expensive diagnostic

30th March 2000, Page 52
30th March 2000
Page 52
Page 52, 30th March 2000 — Engine oil analysis is generally seen as an expensive diagnostic
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tool that only large fleets can justify. But now the Oil Lab has devised a method that small fleet operators and owner-drivers can afford...

When you're feeling poorly you go for a check-up, and your doctor might send samples of your blood for analysis. This also works with CV engines, gearboxes and axles, where a thorough evaluation of the oil and its contents can be very revealing. Major fleet operators routinely examine lubricants and coolants to check the condition of their vehicles.

Such investigations play a prominent part in the maintenance planning of many a major fleet, be it a regular pan-European operator, medium-sized distribution firm or express delivery company on round-the-clock operations. This kind of investigative work is expensive, but it helps identify the likelihood of costly engine or transmission failures. And if you can anticipate them you can avoid the heaviest expense of aLl—unpla nned downtime, with all that represents.

The Oil Lab, which was set up by Richard Marlancl at Rugely, Staffs, offers a similar service, but tailored specifically towards the smallest fleets and owner-drivers. For just fr7.95 it will supply you with a complete sampling kit, comprising plastic bottle, oil extraction syringe and postal tube with a pre-paid address label.

All you have to do is run the vehicle until normal operating temperatures are reached and then, using the syringe supplied, extract a sample of engine, gearbox, drive axle or indeed hydraulic oil via the dipstick or filler hole. Squirt about 3oml into the plastic bottle, pop it into the tube and then mail it to the UK Accreditation Service-approved Scientifics laboratory in Doncaster, where the contents will be analysed quickly. The lab is also ISO9om accredited.

Two days later the report will arrive from the Oil Lab, and if everything's OK your vehicle will be given the all clear.

if all that's amiss is that the oil looks dirty, it may recommend that you continue sampling at regular intervals—after all, engine lube oils, especially synthetic variants, are costly enough these days so why change the oil if you don't have to?

On the other hand, laboratory findings could indicate any number of impending problems, from defective fuel or air filters to leaking head gasket or cylinder liners.

There are three sample report sta

tuses: "normal" means that the oil is fit for further use; "caution" shows a problem has been identified and needs investigating by further sampling, or that some remedial work is needed; "immediate action" means there is a major problem which must he seen to right away.

In this case Oil Lab will contact the operator immediately by phone. Every report includes a spectrochemical analysis of any extra component in the oil, and each one is quantified.

Elements

Marland says some elements, such as calcium, phosphorous, zinc or magnesium, are added by the oil producers in significant amounts and are essential to the oil's performance. But the presence of some other elements indicates that there are problems.

Significant traces of aluminium, for example, usually indicate piston deterioration.

Similar amounts of copper, lead or tin say the same about shell bearing surfaces. Quantities of silicon indicate an ingress of dirt through a defective air filter, trunicing or air intake gaskets.

Yet another serious warning is the presence of water and large amounts of sodium or boron, both of which are found in antifreeze—these point to possible defects with the cylinder head or piston liners.

The oil analysis can also reveal contamination by diesel fuel, while high levels of sooty insolubles push the viscosity rating sky high. This is a sure sign of ring blow-by, and suggests there are problems with the pistons, rings or bores/liners.

Marla nd oil sample analysis, which identifies most trace elements down to parts per million, offers an early warning of problems, which could help avoid breakdowns, expensive repair bills and lost work.

At £17.95 a time, it could be a sound investment.

• by Bryan Jarvis

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Organisations: Oil Lab

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