Marine Oil Reports

Sea-going engines are quite different from their land-borne cousins in their environment and how they are operated. Marine engines are often situated in holds with little air for cooling and little room for maintenance. Some are treated to splashing bilge water and use seawater for cooling. These are all factors to consider when analyzing the oil.

Does sitting over the winter cause corrosion? Are you changing the oil often enough (or too often)? Is water getting into the oil? Oil analysis can help you understand your engine’s condition and give you peace of mind as you set out for a cruise. From small, gas-fueled engines to gigantic diesels, we have averages available for determining your engine’s health. Don’t put your fate at the mercy of the sea — get your free test kit today!

Click here to see more interesting reports, or for articles, check out this page.

This oil report from a Mercruiser engine shows excessive contamination from coolant that's causing poor wear in the cylinder area and at the bearings.
This oil report from a marine engine read high in fuel dilution and wear metals. We suspect fuel has been a problem for a long time considering the excessive wear from parts like rings and bearings.
An oil report from a marine diesel engine showing increased silicon and wear metals. The silicon is probably dirt that's accelerating wear.
An oil analysis report from a 1940 Chris Craft showing excessive metals and contamination from fuel and dirt. The engine had just been rebuilt and had been sitting a while, but metals are higher than corrosion and wear-in would account for.
A used oil sample report from a boat transmission where the owner wondered if the shop had mistakenly used engine oil instead of gear lube. The oil was correct for a gear box, but the gearbox had suffered a failure, as indicated by metals reading excessively throughout.
An oil analysis report from a Borg Warner transmission in a marine application. The oil needs to be changed due to metal accumulation.
An oil sample from a boat's generator showing mild coolant intrusion and accelerated cylinder-area wear.
An oil report from a Detroit 6V92 showing an extremely high sodium reading, indicating contamination from sea water that's causing accelerated bearing wear.