Blackstone Labs

[busboy4]

Just a note to plug Blackstone labs for oil analysis. I put the sample in the Mail on Tuesday, and on Thursday afternoon a tech calls to discuss my test outcome, followed up by an email with the full report. All this for $20. Not too bad! Unfortunately, it did show that I have a small concentration of anti-freeze in the oil (as suspected due to slow loss of coolant) yet it is an early diagnosis if you will due to elevated yet not extreme figures for lead and other metals ('96 with 140K). So, I guess I will be diving into the intake manifold gasket fix.

So, use 'em I say. Blackstone-labs.com

[road_rascal]

I've been using Blackstone for a few years now. Mainly oil analysis for my motorcycles since I do a lot of long distance riding. Go over to the forums at Bob Is The Oil Guy dot Com and you'll go nuts reading about oil !

[wiswind]

I have been plugging them for a while now......
This is another example of coolant in the oil that you will NOT find any other way....but is certainly enough to cause serious damage if left uncorrected.
It is also what led me to the lower intake manifold gasket job.

The SUPER key thing to keep an eye on, is a slowly dropping level in the coolant overflow bottle.
Another thing.....give that upper radiator hose a squeeze now and then and see if it holds pressure, and has coolant in it.
If not sure, when the engine is cool, remove the radiator cap and see if the coolant level is up.....
I have had the cap not hold a seal, and leave the overflow bottle out of the loop.
Don't hesitate to replace that radiator cap with the correct pressure type if in any question about it.