Blackstone Analysis - Which one(s)?

[aragno]

I am going to start an oil analysis regime but looking for an affordable lab with consistently reliable results. Blackstone and Shell have popped up with more blackstone references.

Does everyone get the standard analysis only for engine oil?

What about for differential and gearbox oils?

Any add-ons?

 

[doktorno]

I have used Blackstone on a few vehicles and aircraft https://www.blackstone-labs.com and Avlab on one airplane. http://www.avlab.com

The responses from Blackstone feel less cut and paste, and my conversations with them have been helpful. Beechcraft mechanic I am friends with uses Blackstone exclusively, FWIW.

I get the standard as do not want extend the life of my oil, and I have yet to do diff or gearbox.

 

[TheOneTen]

Blackstone folks individually write the reports for sure. When I was racing regularly, I would send them an oil sample after every race, as well as a separate sample from my vented catch can. The first time I did this, I got a huge report back regarding the catch can sample and were really interested in continuing as there has basically been zero research on what you SHOULD see in a catch can (in terms of ratios of water, elements, etc).

Every time, individual reports which not just address the current sample, but they also do the analysis against a previous sample (for the same engine) so you can get some trend data on how things are going.

If you're using any of these services for a one-off measurement, save your money. It only provides a single data point... and a single point does not allow for you to make real trend data. That said, if you see a lot of bearing-type materials in a single sample, you know things are in rough shape.

Your mileage may vary

 

[aragno]

Blackstone folks individually write the reports for sure. When I was racing regularly, I would send them an oil sample after every race, as well as a separate sample from my vented catch can. The first time I did this, I got a huge report back regarding the catch can sample and were really interested in continuing as there has basically been zero research on what you SHOULD see in a catch can (in terms of ratios of water, elements, etc).

Every time, individual reports which not just address the current sample, but they also do the analysis against a previous sample (for the same engine) so you can get some trend data on how things are going.

If you're using any of these services for a one-off measurement, save your money. It only provides a single data point... and a single point does not allow for you to make real trend data. That said, if you see a lot of bearing-type materials in a single sample, you know things are in rough shape.

Your mileage may vary

Great to hear another positive feedback point.
I do intend to perform this analysis with each (or at least, every other) oil change in order to build a trend.

I am not familiar with the metals used in the engine and components. Do you know where some of this information can be found in order to make sense of the data after a few reports?

 

[doktorno]

@aragno, try this link to start. https://www.blackstone-labs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Understanding-Engine-combined.pdf

 

[Wreckrunner]

Begging your pardon, when I saw the title of this thread I really though one of you had devised some way of mounting a Blackstone griddle to a back door or something. I'll get me coat.......!