Iron (Fe) Indicates wear originating from rings, shafts, gears, valve train, cylinder walls, and pistons in some engines. 

Nickel (Ni) Secondary indicator of wear from certain types of bearings, shafts, valves and valve guides. 

Molybdenum (Mo) Indicates ring wear. Used as an additive in some oils. 

Chromium (Cu) Primary sources are chromed parts such as rings, liners, etc., and some coolant additives. 

Aluminum (Al) Indicates wear of pistons, rod bearings and certain types of bushings. 

Tin (Sn) Indicates wear from bearings when babbitt overlays are used. Also and indicator of piston wear in some engines. 

Silver (Ag) Wear of bearings which contain silver. In some instances, a secondary indicator of oil cooler problems, especially when coolant in sample is detected. 

Copper (Cu) Wear from bearings, rocker arm bushings, wrist pin bushings, thrust washers, other bronze and brass parts. In some transmissions, wear from discs and clutch plates. Oil additive or anti-seize compound. 

Sodium (Na) Coolant additive; used as an additive in some oils. 

Silicon (dirt) (Si) A measure of airborne dust and dirt contamination, usually indicating improper air cleaner service. Excessive dirt and abrasives can greatly accelerate component wear. 

Boron (B) Coolant additive; used as an additive in some oils. 

Phosphorous (P) Antitrust agents, spark-plug and combustion chamber deposit reducers. 

Zinc (Zn) Antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, anti-wear additives, detergents, extreme pressure additives. 

Calcium (Ca) Detergents, dispersants, acid neutralizers. 

Barbium (BA) Corrosion inhibitors, detergents, rust inhibitors. 

Magnesium (Mg) Dispersant - detergent additive, alloying metal.

The engine oil is also tested for other foreign materials that it may contain.  Different concentrations of these materials can indicate the internal condition of the engine and other associated operational problems.

How often do I need to test my oil? Ideally you should have your oil tested every time you change your oil. If you do not test your oil you may not find out you have a serious problem until the component in question fails.

What do you look for in my used oil? We look for any contaminates such as fuel, coolant or water and we then look at the metals that come from your component, these metals can tell you if any abnormal wear is occurring in your component. We also measure the oils viscosity and how much of the oils additive package remains. We also look for any signs of overheating, excessive idle time and for any build up of sulfur. High sulfur levels combined with water contamination can then form Sulfuric Acid, which can be very destructive for an engine.

Will I understand the report you send me? We will give you a detailed report in easy to understand terms on your oil sample. We will also give recommendations on when you should test and/or change the oil again. In addition, on the back of the report will be a legend that you can use for a quick reference if needed.

How long does it take to test my oil sample? If your sample is expressed mailed to the laboratory the next business day after it is taken.  We will receive the results within 5 business days of taking the sample and forward them to you via priority mail or email if you prefer.  Expect a turn around within 10 business days from the time the sample is taken until you receive the results via priority mail.

Why should I test my coolant? Improper levels of certain components in the glycol can cause premature failure of the cooling system.

What do you look for in my used coolant? We check the coolant and make sure the system is not overheating and we also monitor for the additive packages depletion, for proper freeze protection and cooling protection, we will also check for stray current, the correct concentrations of additives and for the proper PH level.

How often do I need to test my coolant? We suggest that you test your coolant at every oil change interval. If that is not convenient for you then minimally you should test your coolant in the spring before the temperatures increase, and in the fall just before the temperatures start to drop.

Will I understand the report you send me? We will give you a detailed report in easy to understand terms on your coolant sample. We will also give recommendations on when you should test and/or change the coolant again.

How long does it take to test my coolant sample?   If your sample is expressed mailed to the laboratory the next business day after it is taken.  We will receive the results within 5 business days of taking the sample and forward them to you via priority mail or email if you prefer.  Expect a turn around within 10 business days from the time the sample is taken until you receive the results via priority mail.

Why should I test my fuel? Fuel can look perfectly fine but in reality it can be grossly contaminated. Only by testing the fuel can you be 100% sure that the fuel is acceptable to use. You can also monitor your bulk shipments of fuel to make sure you did not receive contaminated fuel by mistake.

What do you look for in my used fuel? We monitor the fuel for Bacteria and Fungus. We also look for water, sediment/solids, dirt, color, and clarity and also make sure that the API rating of the fuel is acceptable for continued use.

How often do I need to test my fuel? We suggest you monitor your fuel if you suspect that you might have a problem, perhaps your injectors keep blocking up? Or your fuel looks or smells funny. We also suggest you sample any large bulk shipments of fuel that you receive. If you have fuel that has been sitting around for a long period of time, then it would also be beneficial to test that fuel.

How long does it take to test my fuel sample? Fuel samples take 72 hours to process due to the need to culture the fuel product for Bacteria & Fungus.

Please see the section on surveyors fees for the cost of an engine oil analysis for each engine,  each transmission or each generator.  

An engine oil analysis is highly recommended before purchase of a vessel and often used to trouble shoot engine problems.  

An engine oil analysis adds to the cost of a marine survey but is often well worth the price with regard to piece of mind.