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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Buying An RV -> What can I expect to learn from a fluid analysis?
Post Info TOPIC: What can I expect to learn from a fluid analysis?
Offtosmelltheroses


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What can I expect to learn from a fluid analysis?
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I have seen various recommendations  around the forum suggesting that before one purchases a used diesel pusher, to request an engine oil analysis as part of the pre-purchase inspection process.  I think I've also heard mention of transmission fluid and possibly even  engine coolant analysis being recommended.  Certainly sounds like a good idea, but in the interests of being able  to sound like I know what I'm talking about, and just to further educate me on this issue, can you tell me what each type of  analysis will tell me about the coach and it's mechanics? How does one arrange to have them done?  And anything else I should know? biggrin

 

Thanks everybody!

Jim



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TRAILERKING


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As a "pre-purchase" issue.......not that accurate. They could have had all the fluids changed so looking for wear and suspect failures will not show up in the fresh oil change.

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Trabuco


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You can get an analysis of oil, trans and coolant. I just submitted for an oil analysis for my main engine. They look for metals, contaminants and oil condition. It will give you an idea of how well the engine has been taken care of. Not full proof but it will help with peace of mind or that you should walk away. On the coolant analysis it will look for presence of fuel, oil and contaminants and SCA (supplemental coolant additives).

You could actually show up with sampling kits and take samples yourself. Easy to do, 20 minutes or so to pull each sample.

You can also use the information to determine oil condition which may prolong the time between oil changes.

Let me know if you need more info.

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Ken

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Offtosmelltheroses


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Thanks for that feedback guys,  is this something that any service center can do, or is it something I need to send in to the chassis manufacturer? Where do I obtain the kit for collecting samples?



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Trabuco


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The place I use is JGlubricantservices.com. Very easy to do yourself. If you go onto their website they have instructional videos and you"ll see how easy it. You actually take the samples from the dip stick tubes using a 1/4" tube and small had pump to pull the oil up.

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Ken

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2008 Harley Ultra Classic

 

 
Offtosmelltheroses


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Sure sounds easy enough, thanks Ken.  I'll check out their website.  



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MarkS


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The results of an analysis can tell you what metals and contaminants are in the oil. Certain metals indicate bearings or rings or a number of other things and if they are wearing properly based of the quantity in the oil. It also tells you the condition of the oil. Once I ran my truck almost 50k miles between changes because the oil was fine. It can also report coolant in the oil or other contaminants.

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Offtosmelltheroses


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MarkS wrote:

The results of an analysis can tell you what metals and contaminants are in the oil. Certain metals indicate bearings or rings or a number of other things and if they are wearing properly based of the quantity in the oil. It also tells you the condition of the oil. Once I ran my truck almost 50k miles between changes because the oil was fine. It can also report coolant in the oil or other contaminants.

 So, Mark, do you have your fluids analyzed on a regular ongoing basis?  If so, do you do it every so many miles or years? 



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MarkS


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In my truck I had it done every 10K miles or once a month. Once it is my tow vehicle I will have it done once or twice a year. Probably spring and fall.

An oil change for me is about $250 and takes 11 gallons of oil. It is feasible to do the analysis rather than blindly change oil.



-- Edited by MarkS on Thursday 2nd of July 2015 04:33:41 PM



-- Edited by MarkS on Thursday 2nd of July 2015 04:34:53 PM

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Offtosmelltheroses


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I appreciate your wisdom!!!  Thanks again!



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Trabuco


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Jim,

Just received the results from a coolant analysis I had done and it came back with a problem. The glycol mixture was to low, came back at 42%. Upon further investigation I discovered that all the flush water had not been purged after flushing my system.

When the 50/50 premix was added it further diluted the mixture bringing it down to the 42%.

So in this case the sampling paid off and has allowed me to correct a problem albeit a minor one.

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Ken

2005 Monaco Diplomat 400 ISL Cummins

2012 Honda CRV AWD

2008 Harley Ultra Classic

 

 
TRAILERKING


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Trabuco wrote:



So in this case the sampling paid off and has allowed me to correct a problem albeit a minor one.

 You didn't need to do sampling to find that out. Find a better shop that knows how to use an anti-freeze tester (refractometer) before it leaves their shop after they've completed the said repair.



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Trabuco


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That was just one of 24 tests they perform.

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Ken

2005 Monaco Diplomat 400 ISL Cummins

2012 Honda CRV AWD

2008 Harley Ultra Classic

 

 
TRAILERKING


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Trabuco wrote:

That was just one of 24 tests they perform.

 

 

Well the best thing for you to do is keep going with what you're comfortable with.



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Trabuco


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I plan on it!

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Ken

2005 Monaco Diplomat 400 ISL Cummins

2012 Honda CRV AWD

2008 Harley Ultra Classic

 

 
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