A1. There are too many variables to be able to determine wear rates accurately. For example, precise oil consumption figures would have to be on hand to be able to apply the relevant mathematical formulae and these are seldom available.

A2. Yes, although trend analysis cannot be applied if this is a one-off test, oil analysis will detect excessive wear and major contaminants such as fuel dilution and dust entry.

A3.

• Early detection of abnormal wear
• Early detection of oil degradation
• Early detection of contamination
• Early detection of impending failures
• Verify oil in use
• Optimise oil change intervals
• Avoid unnecessary overhauls
• Avoid loss in production
• And save time and money!

A4. If only the copper is high, but no other metals such as lead, tin, or aluminium are elevated, it is mostly an oxide of copper from the oil cooler. As the oil cooler is exposed to the heat from the engine oil, it can sometimes oxidize the copper, which will show up in the analysis report. This is considered a normal condition and no corrective action is required. This process usually will taper off or stop occurring over time.

A5. Download our Technical Bulletins TB15, TB16 & TB48 for a more thorough explanation of test parameters and limits. Click here to view our Technical Bulletins database.

A6. Reports are easy to read and understand. Customer and unit information identify the equipment for which testing was performed. Technical oil data appears in a quick-read chart with multiple entry capacity for trending. Easy-to-understand recommendations are included so you know exactly what you should do with your oil or component to provide the best care for your equipment. The report shows a detailed explanation of tests and results.

A7. A detailed analysis report is sent to you every time you send us a sample. Recommendation and analysis are included in our report. If you require more information you can contact us and we will be happy to help.

A8. Yes. Oil analysis provides vital information as to the condition of both the oil and the unit being tested. It can detect wear and contamination problems that, if left unchecked can severely effect equipment performance or cause failure.

A9. A detailed analysis report is sent to you every time you send us a sample. Recommendations and previous oil data (history), if any, is included in the report. If you require more information our diagnostician will be happy to help you.

A10. Oil analysis is a proven technology that measures wear rates, contamination levels and oil serviceability. Regularly scheduled oil samples taken from operating equipment will warn of impending problems often eons before secondary damage is done. The oil sample results will also let you know if your oil change was needed or overdue.

A11. We know that most of our customers don't want to interpret their own data.  These customers need only read the interpretation of the chemical and physical results provided in the diagnosis. The readings are included on the reverse of the report for those customers who are interested in seeing them.

A12.

• Normal - no action required, wear levels, contamination levels and lubricant health are all within acceptable limits.

• Borderline - problems are indicated when there appears to be a deviation in trend or when a defined parameter has just been exceeded. In effect, the report is saying, the readings are not following their normal pattern but there is no firm evidence that a problem exists. The recommended action will be quick and simple to carry out and its primary function will be to determine if any further action needs to take place. No drastic steps need to be taken. Borderline samples can be attended to at the next regular service. In these situations, doing nothing more than taking a check sample may be a perfectly acceptable reaction to a borderline report.

• Urgent - samples indicate that there is a very strong likelihood that a problem exists. Again, the report will only recommend some confirmatory check to be carried. With urgent samples these checks will usually be greater in number and may require more time and effort to carry them out in order to supply more information about the condition of the component. Urgent samples should be attended to as soon as it is convenient to do so.

• Critical - samples definitely indicate that a problem exists and that it is quite severe in nature. These problems, ideally, should be attended to immediately. It is important to note, that even at this point, it would be extremely unusual for a strip-down to be recommended. The first action that should take place following the receipt of a critical report is to read what the diagnosis says.

The important things to remember are that oil analysis is not an exact science and the vast majority of reports are either normal or precautionary (borderline); in fact, less than 10% of all samples are urgent or critical. The other things to remember are: read the report and do not over-react.

A13. WearCheck is an independent lab, so we don't make recommendations.  All major oil companies produce very expensive and cheaper ranges of oil. You get what you pay for. Lubricant choice should be based on component type, environment, application and cost/benefit considerations.