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05-28-2019, 02:44 PM
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: Fort Mill, South Carolina
Posts: 345
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Oil analysis. Yes or no?
I've been flying my -8 for almost 3 years, with only very minor issues. My new IO-360, with dual P-mags runs great. I cut open my oil filter every other oil change, and have found decreasing metal on each inspection.
I have never submitted my oil for a lab analysis, but is something I've always considered.
My questions are: , is it worth the effort if the filter is clean?
Who do you use?
Pros...cons...?
Thanks.
__________________
Bruce Windom
QB RV-8 N148BW
First Flight: Oct '16
AeroSport Power IO-360 180hp w/dual P-Mags
Catto 3-blade, with black carbon spinner.
10" Dynon SkyviewTouch. That's ALL.
2020 Dues contributed
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05-28-2019, 03:05 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Smyrna, TN
Posts: 144
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It isn't worth it if you're only going to do it once or if you wait until you suspect a problem. Oil analysis is about identifying trends, and you'll need regular data points to establish base line numbers for your engine.
I've been using Blackstone Labs. Quick turnaround (usually about a week), and I've appreciated the analysis and interpretation of the data they've given beyond simply "here are the numbers".
__________________
Barrett
Smyrna, TN - KMQY
RV-6A
Learning something knew everyday.
Donated dollars - 2020
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05-28-2019, 03:07 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Greensboro, NC
Posts: 85
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Oil Analysis
Bruce:
I just recently started oil analysis every other oil change after "Widget" sent his engine down to JB Engines to be topped. Never shown any metal in filters. Turns out engine was trashed. JB sent pics back. The metal turned out to be so fine .. like black mist ... maybe not even able to get with a magnet.
I cut my filters on every change but now I use a large magnet and oil analysis every other change. Want to see if there is a trend.
__________________
Len Leggette
Greensboro, NC
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05-28-2019, 03:45 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 3,351
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As Barrett has mentioned, it is most useful when it is done on a regular bases to see the trend. I have been doing it and I think it is worth it, small fee to catch things early if it was going to go south.
I use Blackstone and they have been great in providing useful info as what the report means.
__________________
Mehrdad
N825SM RV7A - IO360M1B - SOLD
N825MS RV14A - IO390 - Flying
Dues paid
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05-28-2019, 04:05 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Cloverdale CA
Posts: 254
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Mike Busch recently suggested on a newer engine do it every 3 or 4 oil changes if you are flying regularly. Kind of made sense to me, but everyone has a different opinion on tjis subject.
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05-28-2019, 04:33 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Dallas/Ft Worth, TX
Posts: 5,686
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I've never had anyone suggest I pull their engine and have it overhauled based on an oil analysis,
IMO it just gives folks something else to worry about especially when flying at night or over water 
__________________
Walt Aronow, DFW, TX (52F)
EXP Aircraft Services LLC
Specializing in RV Condition Inspections, Maintenance, Avionics Upgrades
Dynamic Prop Balancing, Pitot-Static Altmeter/Transponder Certification
FAA Certified Repair Station, AP/IA/FCC GROL, EAA Technical Counselor
Authorized Garmin G3X Dealer/Installer
RV7A built 2004, 1700+ hrs, New Titan IO-370, Bendix Mags
Website: ExpAircraft.com, Email: walt@expaircraft.com, Cell: 972-746-5154
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05-28-2019, 04:42 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Leesburg, VA
Posts: 551
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Too much information?
No, I want all the data I can get. I won't let the analysis spook me, since any abnormality will be further checked. If you fly 100 hours a year, it will only cost $50 per year. Do it every other oil change and the cost is insignificant. Personally I don't think this is an area to cut costs.
__________________
Jim
Leesburg, VA (KJYO)
RV4 N444JT (  sold)
RV8 N37PK
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05-28-2019, 05:43 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: US
Posts: 2,251
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Walt
I've never had anyone suggest I pull their engine and have it overhauled based on an oil analysis,
IMO it just gives folks something else to worry about especially when flying at night or over water 
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Or to give you added confidence, if the analyses show good trends over time.
Personally, I'd rather know more than less about any component of the system my butt relies on, so that I can make informed decisions and risk evaluations.
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2019 Dues paid!
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05-28-2019, 06:25 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Clarksboro, NJ
Posts: 829
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Yes.
The oil filter picks up big stuff, Oil analysis detects a different type of wear that an oil filter inspection will not, and visa versa. They are equally important condition monitoring tools to detect a problem before it becomes a safety of flight issue.
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05-28-2019, 06:58 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Dallas/Ft Worth, TX
Posts: 5,686
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pa38112
Yes.
The oil filter picks up big stuff, Oil analysis detects a different type of wear that an oil filter inspection will not, and visa versa. They are equally important condition monitoring tools to detect a problem before it becomes a safety of flight issue.
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The official word from Lycoming:
https://www.lycoming.com/sites/defau...s_11261971.pdf
__________________
Walt Aronow, DFW, TX (52F)
EXP Aircraft Services LLC
Specializing in RV Condition Inspections, Maintenance, Avionics Upgrades
Dynamic Prop Balancing, Pitot-Static Altmeter/Transponder Certification
FAA Certified Repair Station, AP/IA/FCC GROL, EAA Technical Counselor
Authorized Garmin G3X Dealer/Installer
RV7A built 2004, 1700+ hrs, New Titan IO-370, Bendix Mags
Website: ExpAircraft.com, Email: walt@expaircraft.com, Cell: 972-746-5154
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