fishmonkey said..
another question!
does anybody have any experience or opinions about lab testing of engine oil samples?
a surveyor mentioned that for $150 extra they will send an oil sample off to a lab for analysis. obviously they will be able to tell if the oil has been doped with additives, but he also reckons they can tell if the engine has been overheated, as well as infer condition of seals (i assume this refers to water ingress into the engine), and various other things...
They lab test oil at my work, it's done regularly over a period of time and can be an early indicator of component fail (sediment in the oil that can be tested to trace the source), oil condition and life. Water can be suspended in oil or emulsified, in some cases you'll be able to tell as the oil will appear cloudy/milky. The samples are taken with in twenty minutes of engine shut down so that any particles present will be suspended in the oil not settled and prior to replenishment so samples are not diluted. Oils usually have additives to inhibit moisture, microbes, etc present.