Fuel and oil testing

[rsparks]

I am looking into getting my fuel and oil tested and would like to have some of you that are doing it all ready post where you are getting it done and what the cost is. I would appreciate any recommendations and advice.

[jbplock]

I’ve been using UOA (Used Oil Analysis) kits from AVLube (http://store.avlube.com/oilandfuanki.html) .. very good service and reasonable prices. Click Here (http://home.usadatanet.net/~jbplock/UOA/03Dmax%20UOA%2047K_.jpg) for a sample report … UOA History (http://home.usadatanet.net/~jbplock/ISO/DMAX_UOA.PDF) ..

For more info on UOA’s checkout the Oil Analysis Reports on the BobIsTheOilGuy.com (http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi) forum.

Regarding Fuel Tests, a few years ago many of us purchased fuel analysis kits form AVlube to test our supplemental fuel filters, primarily for ISO particle counts. The test also yields other data like water content and cetane rating. Here’s a table that OC_Dmax started … Fuel Test Results (http://home.stny.rr.com/jbplock/ISO/OC_Dmax.pdf) ... (If you do the test let me know and I'll add them to the table). More info: Fuel Test Report & Pics (http://community.webshots.com/album/83846161wSIlBH)

We found that getting a good sample that’s not contaminated is a challenge. I added a valve to my Kent Moore Vacuum-pressure gauge (http://community.webshots.com/album/73314886FLnSco) and used the lift pump to get a sample. Another method is to disconnect the hose from the fuel filter and use the primer pump. Try searching the forum for more info…

:)

[Tsckey]

I'm with Bill. Another vote for avlube.com. I've been gett UOA done there since my first oil change. Fast turn around and very informative.

TC

[rsparks]

Thanks for the info. I remember reading the discussions about the filters when they came across a couple of years ago. They are why I added the filtration system that I did. I have a lift pump that is almost identical to jbplock

[jbplock]

Rsparks,

Your filter setup sounds very nice! :cool: And, good idea on using the FM100 drain as a way to get an input side sample http://72.22.76.69/tdpforum/images/icons/icon14.gif

[rsparks]

I should be able to put a little piece of clear tubing on the end of the drain for the fm-100 and pull it that way so I don't accidentally introduce any other contamination. I only have about 5000 on the odometer right now so I have not changed any fuel filters yet. I have done one oil and filter change at about 800 and I am about to do another, switching to synthetic and adding a bypass filter.

I am going to do particle counts only for the raw fuel sample and post OEM and a full analysis after the Mega. I am hoping to order the sample kits Monday or Tuesday and I will let you know the results when I get them back.

Do you know how much volume I need to change the fluid in the Allison and what the procedure is? I plan on doing a full synthetic change through out the vehicle but have not yet decided what brand I am going to use. I am kind of leaning towards Amsoil.

[jbplock]

I should be able to put a little piece of clear tubing on the end of the drain for the fm-100 … I am going to do particle counts only for the raw fuel sample and post OEM and a full analysis after the Mega. I am hoping to order the sample kits Monday or Tuesday and I will let you know the results when I get them back.

Great... Can’t wait to see the results! :cool: This will be the first test I’m aware of with the new dual-pleat OEM filter.. Also when taking the fuel samples we found that flushing (a few quarts or more) and multiple rinses of the sample bottle are key to getting good results.


Do you know how much volume I need to change the fluid in the Allison and what the procedure is? I plan on doing a full synthetic change through out the vehicle but have not yet decided what brand I am going to use. I am kind of leaning towards Amsoil.

For just a filter & fluid change it's about 8 quarts (7.4 spec). For a complete flush it's 14 quarts.

When flushing mine I used a little under 14qts of M1-ATF. The procedure used was as follows:

1.Remove the Allison drain plug -drain fluid & replace spin-on filter. Clean and reinstall the magnet on the filter & top off with fluid. (It’s not necessary to remove the pan although there is at least a quart of fluid that will remain in the pan when draining with the plug only.)
2.Fill Transmission with the same amount drained (assuming the level was correct initially). Should be approx 7.4 quarts. I “calibrated” a large plastic food container by pouring water one quart at a time from a 1quart oil bottle. I marked lines on the outside of the container for each quart. (The container had markings but they were not accurate.)
3.Remove the "FROM COOLER" line (upper) from the transmission and install a short piece of clear hose to feed the graduated container.
4.Add 2-3 additional quarts of ATF
5.Run the engine in park until the same amount added (2-3 quarts) is pumped out – This won’t take long .. approx 5-10 seconds. Repeat until you see the fluid color change and/or the total new fluid used is approx 14qts. This is where a helper comes in handy. Be careful not run the tranny dry.
6.Reconnect the cooler line, run the engine, shift though all gears, and check/top off fluid level. Re-check when hot.

Also see 56Nomad’s post in the following thread..
Yet another Transynd flush ? ( http://72.22.76.69/tdpforum/showthread.php?t=17663&highlight=allison)

:)