Blackstone Questions

[wildwestm3]

OK, so I am about to change the oil in the car and am debating on doing a Blackstone report. My question is for those that have done this already. Do they do the actual analysis, or just provide you with data? I am no chemical engineer, so I will not know what I am looking for. What metals are you looking at and what are the acceptable ranges/levels? Are there particular metals that I shouldn't be seeing? What do the different metals in the oil represent (i.e. if high copper, I'm into the rod bearings heavy, etc.). I don't want to waste my time or money on a report without understanding what the heck I'm looking at. I looked for a post outlining this information, but couldn't really find my answers. So...asking the masses. Thanks...

[OneMmmm]

Blackstone will provide both data and a general analysis.

They also include universal averages for cars similar to yours - taking into account MY and mileage. These are used as a benchmark to determine if your wear levels are higher.

Lead and copper are what you'll want to keep an eye on for an '08. High levels of either typically (not always) indicates bearing wear.

[bdaddylo]

Do a search on the forum as many members have posted their Blackstone reports. You get a report with universal averages and a brief written analysis in the comments section. Sample reports are also available on their website.

[Move Over]

Originally Posted by OneMmmm

Blackstone will provide both data and a general analysis.

They also include universal averages for cars similar to yours - taking into account MY and mileage. These are used as a benchmark to determine if your wear levels are higher.

Lead and copper are what you'll want to keep an eye on for an '08. High levels of either typically (not always) indicates bearing wear.

Is there something else we should be looking for in an '09 and up? I was under the impression that all model years will show lead and copper if there is bearing wear.

[OneMmmm]

Originally Posted by alxmlr789

Is there something else we should be looking for in an '09 and up? I was under the impression that all model years will show lead and copper if there is bearing wear.

I believe from '08-10 you're looking for the same as above re: bearings -- lead and copper.

In '11+ the bearings are aluminum/tin. You can still find copper/lead in your sample from other components, but my understanding is that for MY '11+ lead is not indicative of bearing wear.

I'm no expert on the subject, so someone else may chime in and correct some of this.

[bradleyland]

Originally Posted by alxmlr789

Is there something else we should be looking for in an '09 and up? I was under the impression that all model years will show lead and copper if there is bearing wear.

I don't think he meant specifically for the '08 year model. I think he was just referencing the OP's car's age.