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  #1  
Old 05-28-2019, 02:44 PM
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AAflyer AAflyer is offline
 
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Location: Fort Mill, South Carolina
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Default 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.
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  #2  
Old 05-28-2019, 03:05 PM
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thompsonbr87 thompsonbr87 is offline
 
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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".
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  #3  
Old 05-28-2019, 03:07 PM
Len Len is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Greensboro, NC
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Default 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.
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  #4  
Old 05-28-2019, 03:45 PM
Bavafa Bavafa is offline
 
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Location: Sacramento, CA
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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.
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  #5  
Old 05-28-2019, 04:05 PM
lndwarrior lndwarrior is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Cloverdale CA
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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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  #6  
Old 05-28-2019, 04:33 PM
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Walt Walt is offline
 
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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
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EXP Aircraft Services LLC
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  #7  
Old 05-28-2019, 04:42 PM
SMRacer SMRacer is offline
 
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Location: Leesburg, VA
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Default 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.
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  #8  
Old 05-28-2019, 05:43 PM
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RV7A Flyer RV7A Flyer is offline
 
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Location: US
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Walt View Post
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
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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  #9  
Old 05-28-2019, 06:25 PM
pa38112 pa38112 is offline
 
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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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  #10  
Old 05-28-2019, 06:58 PM
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Walt Walt is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pa38112 View Post
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.
The official word from Lycoming:
https://www.lycoming.com/sites/defau...s_11261971.pdf
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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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