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.

You guys provided advanced warning and insight about bearing material wear on my old car, four years before bearing-related oil pressure issue became noticeable. Keep up the good work : )

The last report showed a large increase in titanium! Pulled the heads and popped a valve spring to find intake valve ready fall out. All 16 had hard wear due to faulty valve guides. Better the way then out on the road at speed. And GMPP could not argue, paid full repairs, $7k thank God for Blackstone Labs, this could have been real bad. All Z06 427’s need oil tested for ever.

I just wanted to thank the team at blackstone labs. I feel much better about my bike after seeing the report and thank you for the comments makes me actually feel very appreciated. I will send all my oil to yall. Customer for life thanks.