Oil testing
You've probably seen these testing kits available from various sources. I use Lab One testing kits.
Lab One Testing Kit
A small jar, a mailing tube, and instructions are included in the purchase price of the kit. When you change your oil, simply fill the small jar with used oil, fill out the form indicating type of oil, hours of service, and type of engine. Three postage stamps on the mailing tube and drop the sample in the mail. Within a few days you'll have an analysis of the wear products in your oil via email and followed up with a hard copy letter.
The first sample will terrify you because it will say that everything is out of spec!
![Eek! :eek: :eek:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
But then the second sample done 50 hours later will have a baseline to work with and you'll have good info to work with.
This is how the report comes back from Lab One. Note that it has the first report highlighted in yellow
![Eek! :eek: :eek:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
and the new report in green
![Big grin :D :D](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
because there is a good trend.
edit: When I place an order with Aircraft Spruce, I'll order enough oil filters to do a couple of oil changes, and purchase the same number of oil sample kits. The sample kits are pre-paid and never expire. Just draw the sample and drop the tube in the mail. No need to send any money.