12-29-2022, 12:50 PM | #1 |
Drives: 2018 ZLE Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Palm City Fl
Posts: 1,347
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Oil analysis
Wondering if anyone has ever tried this or just a waste of time but I have a pretty powerful microscope that is backlit for liquids. Has anyone ever took a look at the oil themselves under a microscope and checked for particles while doing an oil change? Or just leave it to the professionals? I was cleaning out a storage area and forgot I had it and just wondered? Anyone have any experience with this?
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12-29-2022, 02:25 PM | #2 |
Drives: 2018 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Georgia
Posts: 1,370
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Unless you know what you're looking for, it's going to be a no for you looking at it yourself.
They don't use microscopes to "look" at it but rather use lasers and other sensors to detect what is in the oil to give you an overview of whats inside it. People have been using it for decades and a few here on the board have. Some will tell you that you should be getting it done and other, like myself, will say it's not really something you should do. Unless you're super worried something is wrong then I wouldn't do it. These cars have only had issues with the oil pump failing. 0 have failed from the oil itself. That's coming from a stock engine perspective. |
12-29-2022, 05:24 PM | #3 | |
Drives: 2018 ZLE Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Palm City Fl
Posts: 1,347
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12-29-2022, 05:40 PM | #4 |
Drives: 2023 CT5 Blackwing Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Orlando
Posts: 1,619
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2017 HBM SS 1LE
Sold 2023 Wave Metallic CT5-V Blackwing M6 |
12-29-2022, 07:14 PM | #5 |
Drives: Zl1 1le Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Midwest
Posts: 183
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Take a look - tell us what you see...
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12-30-2022, 05:22 AM | #6 |
Drives: 2021 Red Hot ZL1 Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Gapplebees
Posts: 3,093
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I use Blackstone Labs at every oil change. I've been doing this for the last 4 years. It gives you some great insight into how your engine is wearing, how your oil is holding up, etc.
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12-30-2022, 07:27 AM | #7 |
Give speed a chance
Drives: 2015 Camaro 2LS, 2015 Camaro Z/28 Join Date: Nov 2019
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I just recently did a Blackstone report on my C5 Z06 track vehicle since I run that car pretty hard with oil temps above 280 degrees. All was good and they mentioned I could probably stretch out my oil changes a bit. Cool info to know for $45. I'll probably do it once a year on the Z06 and maybe every few years on the Z/28.
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12-30-2022, 10:12 AM | #8 | |
Drives: 2017 2SS, 50th pkg, M6, MRC, NPP Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Ocean City, NJ
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I am surrounded by good quality microscopes. The one variant I have found useful for cars, and electromechanical work in general, is the dissecting scope. That has magnification up to 50x and typically includes a light source above and below the stage, so light either shines down onto the specimen, or shines through it. This is switchable. These are great for looking at small parts for cracks, etc. Worth picking up if you ever see one at a thrift shop, yard sale, etc. |
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12-30-2022, 12:10 PM | #9 | |
Drives: 2018 ZLE Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Palm City Fl
Posts: 1,347
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12-30-2022, 06:26 PM | #10 | |
Drives: 2018 ZLE Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Palm City Fl
Posts: 1,347
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