Imagine being able to gauge what is happening in an engine to stop failures before they happen without tearing apart the equipment. Through our Used Oil Analysis Program available to FS customers, you will have a firsthand look at oil quality and trending history on your equipment to analyze long term conditions of moving components.
Oil analysis for an engine is best compared to taking a sample of blood. The oil sample shows the oil’s “footprint”, the specific make-up of the oil. To get the most out of used oil analysis, building a trend for each individual unit is best. And to build a proper trend, the oil should be sampled consistently. It is best to take the sample after the engine has operated at normal operating temperature for several hours to allow a more accurate analysis. We also offer tools to expand on how and when oil samples should be taken.
There are many benefits, including major cost savings, oil analysis provides equipment owners. It can help reduce unnecessary complications, catastrophic failures, and downtime by catching potential problems before they occur. Less non-scheduled downtime reduces extra labor costs and potential equipment replacement costs. Information obtained can help reduce the number of oil changes and related labor expenses if the ability to safely extend drain intervals is present. This data also helps support warranty claims, enhances equipment resale value, and extends equipment life.
Several tests are run with oil analysis, which includes checking for combustion efficiency of an engine, effective service life of the oil, and improper air/fuel ratio or a problem with low operating temperature. Testing analyzes proper lubrication, sludge formation, and the presence of water. Knowing this information before equipment failure and unscheduled downtime helps ensure proactive and preventative decision making. For example, water found in testing can indicate a coolant leak or condensation due to low operating temperatures or inadequate crankcase ventilation. This can be fixed before major damage is done and expensive repair bills flood in.
Oil analysis offered to FS customers is conducted at the GROWMARK Lubricants manufacturing facility in Council Bluffs, IA. An online portal is available to view results in real-time and access trending history on equipment. A guide on how to read analysis results is also provided through the online portal. Contact FS today about used oil analysis.