Oil Analysis & Larry's SHO

New 10/20/04

A few random SHO thoughts: I lost my most recent version on my Excel oil analysis sheet so I asked Amsoil to resend the last 40k of results. They test for glycol in the motor oil every oil analysis.

That got me thinking of Larry's recent situation. Would oil analysis have helped? I don't know?

Larry's oil was "Clear". Let me rephrase - Larry's oil had NO unexpected or detrimental materials present. Larry's Oil was boiled down to mud, but it was "Clear"

I neglected to sample my old coolant, PS fluid, and ATF when it was replaced by FPS. I don't know how I feel about that.

A coolant sample MAY have told of a tranny fluid trace which would have shown up in chemical analysis. Larry had the red glycol in there so visual inspection was not good.

In theory, an internal leak in a radiator might be detected early. Each oil analysis cost $20, over 100k that is $400. If (huge if) if oil analysis could have saved Larry's engine & ATX that $400 would be well spent. Would one also have to test the ATF? If yes how often? What would that add to the cost?

They detected that the radiator was leaking with PLENTY of time to stop the car, The problem was Where the HELL was the coolant going?

I believe fluid analysis is a prudent thing to do once on a recently obtained car but after that is a little too much like picking fly sh!t out of pepper. Doing regular maintenance myself is my favorite way of keeping track of my car's condition. Are any levels dropping? then find out WHY. Nobody needs to do a microscopic level inquiry into the condition of a chocolate milkshake in the crankcase to tell you things are getting together in a bad way. Same goes for ALL the fluids - just keep an eye on them, They'll talk to you loud and clear before something ever bites you unless you just suffered a sudden catastrophic failure (Headgasket blow out).

I'm not trying to either bust on Larry or pick a fight. Just asking because I don't have all the answers.

Doesn't seem like you are to me.

Maybe oil analysis is best if performed from day one; but It still may be helpful if started later.

Thinking of Larry's internal leak and my education. The best way of detecting that is to pressure test the whole coolant system. You put a chrome hand pump where the pressure cap goes and pump it up and watch for pressure bleed off over time. I got one of them. We could add a recommended pressure test after 120k to FAQ?

Test or not - they KNEW there was a breach in the system well before any real damage occurred. If you've got a pressure tester I'd recommend every 50k - these radiators are pretty cheesy. Otherwise, watch the level in the tank - the little light on in the dashboard is NOT for reading maps!

Same way we added the PS flush & protect the wiring behind the rear head.

Tim

Regards
Eric Lehmann
97 Ebony - welded
97 Toreador Red # 285 - welded
96 Willow Green # 326 - welded
91 Jade Plus SHO-fa

10/20/04

Follow up on it partner - if it can save one owner from the hell I went through then it's well worth it.

Larry E
97 Red
Mods
Welds

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