I just wanted to thank you again for rushing the oil analysis on our 450 ISM Cummins engine. We brought our motorhome into a cummins shop and discovered we had a cracked cylinder head. Your analysis is what convinced the Cummins folks to dig deeper. They had told us for 2 years there was perhaps a sticky injector. We took it upon ourselves after visiting your booth at Oshkosh to get the analysis done. So kudos to you guys for helping us figure out what the manufacturers would not.

In 2009, I purchased a new Ford F-250 pickup as a company vehicle.  I change the oil regularly and periodically send a sample in. Several weeks ago, I traded that vehicle in, which had 175,000 miles on it, and took a copy of the latest results with me. The sales manager initially said they do not take vehicles with that many miles in on trade, but after driving it and reading the oil sample report, not only did he take it on trade, he gave me more than I was expecting and said he was going to call his brother, who owns a construction business, to sell it to him. He mentioned that he’s never seen anyone bring in an oil sample report and was very impressed, stating that I obviously take very good care of my vehicles.

Bottom line is that the few dollars paid for the oil analysis has more than paid off in multiple ways. First, having the oil analyzed has helped me find the “sweet spot” for the oil change interval, which I believe, has saved a substantial amount of money over the life of the vehicle. Second, the increase in the residual value of the vehicle was dramatic simply due to taking that one piece of paper with me. My new vehicle is a Ford F-150 with the twin turbo Ecoboost engine and I’ve already had to change oil for the first time. Needless to say, the sample is on its way. Thanks again for the great service and I look forward to a continuing the relationship for a very long time.

Greetings Blackstone Team, This aircraft had the induction filter blow out of position during a start up, and continued for one flight that way.  We suspect that this is where the high silicone came from. It’s a great confidence builder in your service that such a limited event can be seen in the analysis. Thanks for the continuing great reports.

The oil analysis on the AEIO-360-B2F engine in my aircraft showed high levels of aluminum, iron, and chromium. I went back and pulled the oil screen again. We did find some ferrous metal that I had at first taken to be carbon. We found enough to suspect the camshaft so I opted to pull a jug and inspect the cam. The cam was pitted and starting to spall. The high level of aluminum was coming from the piston skirts that were severely scuffed and scored. Wrist pins and rocker shafts showed pitting as well. I believe this engine was headed for a catastrophic failure in the not-too-distant future. The engine is now getting a major overhaul to be sure we got everything. Your oil analysis may have saved my ass. Thank you. You can be sure that you will be getting a sample from me at every oil change from every airplane I own as well as those of my neighbors from now on.

Dear Blackstone Staff, Thanks for the analysis. for once I don’t have any questions. At dealer prices, for every 10K I can extend the transmission service I save about 70 dollars. I think I am going for 60K next time. Thanks again.

That was fast (especially since I included a long-winded description with the samples!). Anyway, I’m very glad I discovered your lab (via reading the ever-contentious ‘Bob the Oil Guy’ forums)….I especially appreciate the friendly, but crystal clear explanation of the results. Something that I didn’t get from my previous lab (without pulling teeth, anyway). Its obvious you read my cover-letter carefully, and addressed the specific concerns I had. Its pretty refreshing to get non-ambiguous recommendations too – that’s helpful. I’ll be sure to follow them.

This is my first experience with you guys, and I’m thoroughly impressed! The reports were great. Your question regarding the higher copper content found in the Port side was right on the money, this was the first sample taken of the two and an older Jabsco dipstick pump was used to take the sample.  I didn’t have a way to clean or flush the pump before the sample, so I’d bet that explains the higher readings.  Thanks again for the help, and I look forward to using your services in the future.

I just wanted to say “Thanks” for the fast service and the comprehensive reporting. I also wanted to let you know that I believe your assessment (reading between the lines) is correct – this motor needs to be pulled and checked. I do not trust the condition of the bearings and yeah, there was more fluid than there was supposed to be in the crankcase. The coolant (NPG+) is great stuff but it’s slicker’n snot and gets *everywhere* if I don’t pay attention to tightening all the hoses & manifolds – which is why I wanted to get the oil tested in the first place. I’ll let you know when I get it rebuilt…. and I be sending fresh samples.

Thanks for the prompt analysis of my Mooney’s oil!  I was so glad everything looked OK.  The winter was so frigid that we didn’t fly much, so I was afraid both the airplane’s oil and my arteries were full of sludge. We just came back from maintenance with 8 new spark plugs (4 fine wire for the bottom and 4 regular on top), and fresh oil to start the Spring season. No excuses for poor metabolism! Thanks again!

Blackstone team, thought you would be interested to know the following: the origin of the 200% increase in nickel was valve related. Your suggestion to check compressions and possibly borescope were right on! Five cylinders, seventy plus, and #6 was (almost) twenty lbs. Didn’t need to borescope to find the problem child. After removal of the cylinder the exhaust valve was obviously the issue. Colors like a Christmas tree…dark at one side, then dark green, then green, and finally sunset red. The mechanic estimated failure within fifty hours or thereabouts. That cylinder had over 1600 hours time in service. Since the annual and compression checks were six months away…your analysis saves me from unexpected maintenance, probably occurring far from home base and who knows what else! Thanks again.