This is an interesting, timely and informative thread/discussion. We just recently bought another boat with a large Diesel engine.The former owner left extensive and detailed documentation. In that documentation are the results from engine oil analysis that he performed every year, going back 6 years. I’m starting to try and educate myself on this and will continue to do the sampling which comes up this November. My initial take is that it is important for spotting engine wear/maintenance trends.
Thanks to listers for all the insights. Regards, Dave 1982 C&C 37 - Ronin > On Oct 15, 2020, at 4:18 PM, Josh Muckley <[email protected]> wrote: > > I sample my oil and sent for analysis. Costs $20 but the knowledge of > whether or not the oil is good as well as what else could be wrong with the > engine is invaluable. For anyone who cares about the environmental impacts, > not changing the oil is better for the environment too. I use an over-sized > oil filter and the very best amsoil marine diesel engine oil. This > particular oil has a high TBN of 12. IIRC, TBN stand for total base number, > you know base... The opposite of acid. As acids build up in the oil the TBN > goes down. If the person doing the analysis sees that the trend suggests the > TBN (or any of the oil specs) will be too close to zero before the next oil > change, they modify their recommendations. > > https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MaBnvf4Fc9auz-p_Yw-yp5uh-Z7R4N__/view?usp=drivesdk > > <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MaBnvf4Fc9auz-p_Yw-yp5uh-Z7R4N__/view?usp=drivesdk> > > Keeping moisture out of the oil is another key to long life. A block heater > keeps the oil dry, the rings from sticking, the cylinders from rusting and > the boat warm enough to prevent the bilge from freezing. > > Josh Muckley > S/V Sea Hawk > 1989 C&C 37+ > Solomons, MD >
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