Tag Archive for: oil analysis

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Can Oil Analysis Show If Antifreeze Is In Engine Oil?

Oil Analysis KitA reader asks: My car’s coolant level keeps dropping. I’m concerned that it is getting into the engine oil. Can oil analysis show if antifreeze is getting into the engine oil?

Our answer: Yes, oil analysis can detect the presence of antifreeze in engine oil. This would show up as elevated sodium and potassium. The report would “red flag” these elements. There would also be a note in the comment section warning that antifreeze has been detected.

How Can You Tell If Antifreeze/Coolant is Getting Into The Engine Oil?

If the coolant level is dropping, look for milky brown residue on the dipstick. This can be a sign that antifreeze is present in the engine oil. Also look for signs of engine oil contamination in the coolant reservoir (also known as overflow tank).

It is important to note that moisture (and not antifreeze) can sometimes be observed on the dipstick and on the under-side of the oil fill cap in winter. Moisture can be generated by frequent short trips when the engine is not getting up to operating temperatures. This condition is generally not harmful.

The surest method of determining if there is antifreeze in the engine oil is to perform oil analysis. Oil analysis is relatively inexpensive and scientifically accurate. We can offer this service from labs in both Canada and the US.

For more information, call us at 1-800-748-5781 or contact us using the form on this page. Be sure to put “oil analysis” in the comment section.

How Harmful Is Antifreeze Contamination Of Engine Oil?

Antifreeze contamination of engine oil may cause extensive damage and can ultimately lead to engine failure. Coolant getting into the engine oil can be damaging on a couple of fronts.
First, antifreeze can cause corrosion which can ruin engine internals. Second, antifreeze dilution compromises a motor oil’s viscosity and also alters its protective ingredients.

How Does Antifreeze/Coolant Get Into The Engine Oil?

The most common cause of antifreeze/coolant getting into engine oil is head gasket failure. A head gasket failure can be caused by extreme engine overheating. Some engine designs are prone to head gasket failures. Another possible reason for antifreeze contamination of the engine oil is a cracked cylinder head or engine block.

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New Oil Analysis Kits For Industry

Oil Analyzers Commercial KitIn partnership with Oil Analyzers Inc., we now offer three new oil analysis programs for industrial businesses. These oil analysis strategies are designed to take the guesswork out of maintenance practices. Each report will be examined by technical staff and specific maintenance guidance will be offered.

These new Commercial Oil Analysis  Kits are available in the US and Canada. Oil Analyzers Inc. has labs in Indianapolis, Houston, Salt Lake City and Edmonton.

We can sell these new commercial oil analysis package at wholesale prices. Contact us using the form on this page and please put “commercial oil analysis” in the comment section. Questions? Call us at 1-800-748-5781.

New Commercial/Industrial Oil Analysis Packages

Failure Analysis Kit– The part number for this package is KIT15 in the United States and KIT415 in Canada. This package is geared for use after an equipment or engine failure. Items like wear metals, viscosity, coolant or moisture contamination, fuel dilution and much more are analyzed. The goal is to pinpoint the potential cause or causes of component failure and offer maintenance recommendations to prevent future issues. This package comes with three oil analysis kits and one oil sample vacuum pump.

Maintenance Improvement Test Kit– The part number for this package is KIT16 in the US and KIT416 in Canada. This package helps companies head-off mechanical issues before they happen through trend analysis. An ideal way to fine-tune maintenance strategies. Comes with four oil analysis kits and one oil sample vacuum pump.

Interval Improvement Test Kit– The part number for this package is KIT17 in the US and KIT417 in Canada. This option takes the guesswork out of when to change fluids. Oil analysis reports give clear guidance on whether oil is being changed too early or too late. This package comes with four oil analysis kits and one oil sample vacuum pump.

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Coolant Analysis Kits Available For Sale In Canada

Oildepot.ca now offers engine coolant kits for sale in Canada. The coolant samples are analyzed by a lab in Edmonton. This comprehensive procedure can test ethylene glycol or propylene glycol used in gasoline or diesel engines. This testing is performed at the same lab that conducts the oil analysis service we offer. For those simply wanting to test pH, freeze point and boil point, check out our antifreeze test strips.

What Is The Process?

  • To get a price, contact us using the form on this page. Put “coolant testing” in the “Questions or Comments” area.
  • To place an order, simply call us direct at 1-800-748-5781.
  • The kit would be shipped to you by Loomis Express from Mississauga in the East or Edmonton in the West.
  • Contents of the kit includes a 4 oz. sterile bottle and engine information form.
  • Collect your coolant sample and ship it to the Edmonton lab.
  • Once the sample reaches the lab, expect a result by email in 1-2 business days.

Why Perform Engine Coolant Analysis?

There are two main reasons why coolant analysis can be helpful.

Coolant analysis can be part of a regular maintenance program. The lab result will offer a definitive verdict on whether the coolant is suitable for continued use. This can take the guesswork out of when to change out engine coolant.

This procedure can also determine if an engine or cooling system has an issue. Problems such as a head gasket failure and excessive corrosion or depositing can be determined.

What Is The Sampling Procedure?

  • Run engine up to operating temperature to allow for adequate coolant circulation.
  • Allow engine to cool for twenty minutes before opening rad cap or draining sample.
  • There are two preferable sampling areas. The most representative sample would be found by drawing direct from the radiator using a vampire pump. The second-best option would be draining from the petcock at the bottom of the radiator (if equipped).
  • If using the petcock option, be sure to clean the area beforehand. Allow coolant to drain for a few seconds before grabbing sample. Then top-up the radiator with fresh coolant.
  • The overflow tank is not an ideal location to draw a sample. The overflow tank tends to be a resting place for sediment and deposits.

Coolant Analysis Test Result Data Points

The test result will show the following:

  • Is The Coolant Suitable For Continued Use?
  • Metals (17 types shown)
  • pH levels
  • Glycol % (Ethylene or Propylene)
  • Freeze Point
  • Boil Point
  • Nitrite
  • Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA) Number
  • Total Dissolved Solids
  • Specific Conductance
  • Total Hardness
  • Visuals (color, oil, fuel, magnetic precipitate,
    non-magnetic precipitate, odor & foam)

Questions? Contact us using the form on this page or call us at 1-800-748-5781.

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When To Change Oil When Using Biodiesel?

A reader asks: I’m using 100% biodiesel derived from used vegetable oil in my van’s diesel engine. I’m told that I have to change the engine oil more often when using biofuel. Why is this?

Our answer: There are several reasons as to why oil change intervals must be reduced when replacing diesel fuel with biodiesel.

Lower Fuel Energy And Deposit Formation

The main concern with biodiesel is that it provides reduced fuel quality. The simple fact is that biodiesel delivers less energy than regular diesel fuel. This means that combustion is less complete than with regular diesel. This brings a greater tendency toward fuel dilution in the motor oil and an increased incidence of engine deposit formation.

Vegetable-based fuels also have a higher tendency to form deposits on fuel injectors. Fouled injector spray patterns can lead to increased fuel dilution in the motor oil.

Biodiesel Oxidization And Moisture Attraction

There is also a very high potential for increased engine deposits when biodiesel has oxidized. The quality of biodiesel processing and storage practices is absolutely paramount. Incomplete processing and bad storage practices can lead to a myriad of problems. Oxidized fuel can contribute to poor combustion, reduced fuel economy, engine deposits, corrosion, fouled fuel injectors and reduced starting performance.

Biodiesel attracts moisture which can lead to corrosion and reduced performance. This is another reason to use the best possible storage practices.

All of these factors can contribute to faster degradation of engine oil in bio-fuel-powered vehicles.

How To Determine An Oil Change Interval When Using Biodiesel

With all of the variables at play, it is very difficult to determine an oil change interval. Oil analysis is a cost-effective way to determine when to change oil. One could be changing oil too late or too early. Oil analysis can offer a snapshot of the condition of the engine and the motor oil. Analysis shows whether items such as as wear metals, fuel dilution, moisture and coolant are elevated to dangerous levels.

Advantages Of Using Biodiesel

There are advantages to using biodiesel. Some studies suggest that biodiesel can offer improved engine wear control. Biodiesel has excellent lubricating properties which can extend the life of fuel pumps and injectors. Lastly, pure biodiesel offers very clean emissions compared to regular diesel exhaust.

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Can Oil Analysis Find Friction Modifier In A Gear Lube Sample?

A repair shop that rebuilds and warrants automotive differentials asks about the capabilities of oil analysis.

A reader asks: Can oil analysis can pick out whether friction modifier additive has been added to gear oil in automotive differentials? We occasionally handle warranty claims on limited slip differential repair work. The biggest question is always whether or not friction modifier has been added to the gear oil. Can oil analysis determine whether limited slip differential additive has been added to the gear lube?

Our answer: We asked the Drive Train Product Specialist at Oil Analyzers Inc. for their thoughts on this question. Here’s their answer.

Unfortunately oil analysis would not be able to provide conclusive evidence of whether the proper amount of a friction modifier being used in a gear lube sample.

The presence of a friction modifier in a gear lube would not be indicated by a unique ingredient or chemical signature. Limited slip additives do contain a much higher level of phosphorous than the average gear lube. But the problem is that only a few ounces of friction modifier additive is used. So it would be impossible to determine whether the correct amount of additive was present in an oil sample. It becomes even more difficult once you begin to include various gear lubes and additives by different manufacturers. Also consider the residual amounts of previous lubricants and contaminants in the sample. When all of these factors are considered, oil analysis could not make a determination with any certainty.

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Can Oil Analysis Determine Brand or Specification of Oil?

A reader asks: We suspect that an oil change shop put the wrong ATF in our Dodge Ram transmission. Can your oil analysis testing determine if the transmission fluid that they installed is ATF+4 compatible?

Answer: Let’s expand your question. Can oil analysis testing determine the type, specification or brand of oil submitted when this information is unknown? Unfortunately the answer to these questions is no. The type of testing that you require is beyond the scope of typical oil analysis. Oil analysis testing is used to provide the following information for oils in engines, transmission, gear boxes and various industrial components.

  • Determine the condition of the oil and suggest whether it is suitable for further use.
  • Report on the levels and types of wear metals in the oil.
  • To detect contamination from items such as fuel, coolant or dirt.

Unless the actual brand and type of fluid is known, the lab cannot pick out whether it meets a particular specification or not. Despite having the profiles of thousands of oil types on file, general oil analysis cannot necessarily determine the specific brand, model or specification of a given sample.

Again the oil testing is meant only to offer a comprehensive report on the condition of the fluid. These reports can be very helpful for automotive and industrial applications.

Questions? Contact us using the form on this page or call us at 1-800-748-5781.

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