Slick Talk: Powered By Blackstone Laboratories: Recent Episodes
Blackstone Laboratories
Every oil has a story, especially oils that come from engines, transmissions, even machinery used for industrial applications. At Blackstone Laboratories, we test it all, and with the show Slick Talk, our host Joe Adams offers your very own look (or listen) behind the curtain.
A customer sent in a sample, asking us to prove whether it was new oil, or if the shop was slacking. The answer isn't a simple one.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
You don't like hearing about trouble, and we don't like reporting it. But the data calls, and we'l answer.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
The more info you give us, the better our analysis can be. That's never more true than when dealing with delicate machines like transmissions.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
It doesn't matter if it's a coolant leak or tendonitis. You gotta trust the process.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
Unit/location averages are one of our most useful tools, though they can be a little difficult to wrap your head around at first. A customer emailed in for some clarification, and Blackstone Joe provides.
On a related note: Rhea Seehorn, please come on our show!
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
How are oil additives changing over the years? Blackstone Joe takes a look at Mobil 1 specifically, and how we answered a customer's question about how their additives levels varied in different samples of the same blend.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
A Slick Talk listener wanted to know about the Gen 3 Prius, noting concern about EGR issues that lead to a head gasket replacement being necessary, and if our samples could indicate if something needed to be done. If there's a problem with the head gasket, coolant contamination is a telltale sign in our testing. Blackstone Joe went to the data to see how many instances of coolant there are in the 2ZR-FXE samples we've tested, and the data might surprise you!
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
If you haven't checked your air filter in a while, this is your reminder to do so.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
This week, we're highlighting some of our new ventures, including our first foray into the reaction video genre. We also want to introduce some of the excellent content creators we've been honored to pair with lately.
Double Clutch Auto Reviews: "How-To: Get a Used Oil Sample On Your Car: w/ Blackstone Laboratories"
Eleven After Nine: "Bore Scoring is Overblown: Blackstone Labs Porsche Data Revealed"
Rennthusiast Radio: "Bore Scoring: The Risk Isn’t What You Think | Blackstone Senior Oil Analyst"
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
Typical turnaround for a report is a few weeks after you've shipped the sample to us, depending on factors like distance and weather. But sometimes you need answers ASAP, and that's where our "hot run" comes in.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
This week on Slick Talk: no water, no problem. We say our testing is great at detecting coolant, but how true is that? Time for a science experiment.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
How is theatre like oil analysis? This was a burning question that could only be answered by a couple of Fort Wayne's premiere talents: Blackstone Joe and fellow senior analyst Augustia Robinson.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Guest: Augustia Robinson
Producer: Arryn Dennard
This one's a three-course meal. Starting with a light Q&A aperitif, we move on to the main course of addressing some AI shenanigans, then move on to a delicious dessert consisting of one customer's truly exceptional tutorial.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
Everyone is on social media these days, and that includes us. When email is too formal and phone calls are too unwieldy, know you can always send us a message on Facebook or Instagram. Today's episode is thanks to one such message.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
"Change the oil every 5,000 miles or 6 months," is the conventional wisdom, but how well does that hold up in this modern age? A sample came in recently from an engine that hadn't seen an oil change in a few years. What does all that time sitting in the sump do to the oil? As it turns out, not much.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
The break-in process tends to result in high wear metals. So when a fresh engine has a problem, how can we tell?
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
Here's the skinny: a sample came in with a blank oil slip, and high wear metals .Maybe we're looking at an engine with a problem, or a transmission fresh from the factory. Blackstone Joe outlines the process for finding out those critical details.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
Bad news: we found coolant in your engine, and parts are wearing heavily. What now?
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
The TBN is a popular test for automotive engine oil, and it's gaining traction in the aviation world, too. But is it a useful test for aircraft oil? Let's discuss.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
We talk often about whether you can keep a fill of oil in use longer. But what about an oil filter? And when is installing a bypass system a good idea?
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
There's a lot we can tell you about your coolant, and there's a lot we can't. Blackstone Joe demonstrates our limits, and sprinkles in a little culinary advice ahead of the coming holidays.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
"Extended Oil Interval" isn't your typical Thanksgiving staple, but we've got a good recipe to share regardless. No actual food-based recipes included in this one; some people got a bit touchy about that last time.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
We get samples from a lot of different unit types. Trucks, boats, planes -- if it uses oil, chances are we've seen it at least once. In this episode, Blackstone Joe breaks down three reports from three different systems, detailing how we approach analysis for each one.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
Engine flushes! What do they do and how do they show up in oil analysis? Blackstone Joe has the answers.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
Some samples leave us with more questions than answers, such as: How does an air-cooled engine develop a coolant leak? Blackstone Joe invites you to send us your answers to that, and other questions raised by today's doozy of a report.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
What happens when you put tractor oil from 1975 into a modern lawnmower engine? That's just what analyst Chris Tulley was wondering -- so then he went and did it!
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
Guest: Chris Tulley
You had questions, and Blackstone Joe has answers. Topics include: can you sample even if you've added fresh oil over an oil interval? Is fuel dilution or oil consumption factored into the universal averages? What constitutes a "known problem" anyhow?
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
Universal averages! Unit/location averages! Those are included with every oil report, but what do they mean?
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
We're often asked by potential customers what good oil analysis can serve for someone who's just a regular person trying to take care of their normal old car. To that, we have an answer: early detection of a problem. In this episode, Blackstone Joe relates a case of oil analysis catching a Range Rover's coolant problem before it became an expensive nightmare.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
A customer had a question for us: can we find evidence of automotive oil in their aviation engine's used oil? Fortunately, Blackstone Joe has the answer.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
Blackstone Labs aren't the only oil analyzers out there, and sometimes customers come to us with reports from other labs (which we will always accept and add to your file, for free)! In this episode, Joe goes through how we handle those reports, what we can do with the info, and what Blackstone offers that other labs don't.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
Having your blood tested is a lot like having your oil tested. How do we know? Because Blackstone Joe went and did it!
Want to read about Ryan's cholesterol? Click here.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
We get asked a lot of questions, but just as often, we don't get asked anything at all. When we receive a sample with little to no information, how do we figure out what the customer might want to know? Blackstone Joe has the answers.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
Is it time to change your oil? We addressed that question back in episode 105: No Time To Change. Blackstone Joe revisits that episode, and examines how our perspective has shifted since then.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producers: Joshua Straley and Arryn Dennard
Meet Augustia! Another of our new bright stars, Augustia shares how her love of writing and knack for science brought her into the Blackstone fold. She and Blackstone Joe discuss what it's like to be a new writer, how they find the creativity necessary to crank out report after report, and share a few tidbits of advice for any potential new analysts.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
Guest: Augustia Robinson
Oil analysis is a complicated topic, and no one knows that better than a freshly hired Blackstone writer. Helping new analysts master the nuances of the various engines, industrial applications, fuels, and other samples we see on a daily basis is one of the most important responsibilities senior analysts have. Teaching new writers how to communicate that info is a whole other beast. This episode explores how we at Blackstone go about training the analysts that go on to provide you vital info with every sample.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
Meet Chris! One of our brightest up-and-coming junior analysts, Chris has also recently taken responsibility for the newsletters we send out quarterly. He joins Blackstone Joe in studio to talk about how his history as a journalist informs his report writing style, and how the writers around him inspire his current work.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
Guest: Chris Tulley
You might have noticed a change to our gas/diesel engine oil info slips: we no longer include the question, "Would you like a TBN?" President Ryan Stark joins Blackstone Joe in studio to discuss where that change comes from.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
What's more stressful than buying a used vehicle? Not much, especially when you don't have a lot of info about the vehicle (car, boat, plane, etc.) in question. Fortunately, oil analysis can shed some light.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
What kind of vehicle, fresh off the assembly line, would see the sort of use that results in frequent redlining? The answer may surprise you!
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
You might be, but your oil isn't! Every system could use an oil change once in a while, and here's why.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
What happens when you run longer between oil changes? What changes to the data do we anticipate, and what should stay the same? Blackstone Joe explores that this episode, and also responds to some interesting YouTube comments left for the previous pod.
Correction: We mistakenly refer to this episode as number 135, and the previous one as 134.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
We take a lot of things into consideration when determining whether to recommend a longer oil interval or not. More than just the quality of the oil can influence our decision. As Blackstone Joe can attest this episode, metal content is among those deciding factors.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
Communication is the name of the game here at Blackstone Labs. Oil analysis is a complicated topic, and it's natural for customers to have questions or misunderstandings about what's expected in an oil report. In this instance, a question regarding a sample's viscosity becomes a valuable teaching moment.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
There are plenty of products besides just oil that you can put in your engine. Motor Honey, Lucas Oil Stabilizer, Engine Restore, the list is as packed as the shelves at an auto care center. How they show up in analysis is just as varied. As Blackstone Joe can attest, some make a big splash in analysis, while others are a little more mysterious...
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
Answer: It depends!
(But here are some tips to help you find your way.)
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
There's an expiration date on just about everything, so what about engine oil? It's not uncommon for us to receive samples that have been in the sump for a few years, and a lot of customers wonder how that calendar time affects the oil. The answers, as always, lie in the data.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
We have a few guidelines for how to properly sample your oil. Crazy as it seems, there's a reason for that.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
With A.I. technology becoming more popular as a source for information and advice, you may be wondering what info it can provide you about your engine and the oil it's running. We were wondering that as well, which is why we decided to ask ChatGPT some of the most common questions we receive.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
Riding hell for leather asks a lot of a motorcycle's engine, but some are up to the challenge. Is yours? There's only one way to find out.
JKMoto's Oil Analysis with Slick Talk's Joe Adams
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
The world is full of mysteries. A listener reached out to let us know about an interesting discrepancy between Japanese and American manuals for the FA24F engine. To get some answers, there's only one option. We have to go back... to the data.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
We test a lot of petroleum products, so we're used to dealing with gunk. You might call us experts in grime. Whether it's fuel, metal, dirt, or something worse, figuring out what's contaminating your sample - and what that means for the unit it came from - is a critical part of the Blackstone process.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
What goes into obtaining the data we analyze? No one knows the answer to that better than Justin, the Head of Lab Operations. He joins Blackstone Joe in studio to discuss how samples are tested, including some notable insights regarding diesel fuel.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Guest: Justin Mellinger
Producer: Arryn Dennard
This episode was recorded during Oshkosh week, so what better time break down how we analyze aircraft samples? We always want to provide you with the most useful report we can, and that sometimes involves digging a little deeper. Depending on the context, what looks like a problem could actually be completely normal.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
It's common to see some variation from one sample to the next. But when is this fluctuation concerning, and when is it actually normal?
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
There are a lot of forums out there dedicated to engines and oils, and sometimes our name gets pulled into the discussion. Blackstone Joe is here to set the record straight.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
Senior Analyst Suzi Herman is back, with a follow-up to her popular TBN/TAN: Do You Need One? newsletter. She had a simple question: how does heat affect the TBN/TAN of an oil? The answer wasn’t quite what she or Blackstone Joe expected.
Read Part 1 of Suzi’s TBN/TAN Newsletter here.
Out now! Read Part 2 of Suzi’s TBN/TAN Newsletter here.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Guest: Suzi Herman
Producer: Arryn Dennard
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What does Matthew McConaughey have in common with your engine? As it turns out, a lot.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
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Is synthetic oil still good after twenty thousand miles? Is sludge an issue? A listener had these questions and more about Volkswagen and Audi engines. Blackstone Joe provides some answers.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
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Knowledge is power, and that’s as true in oil analysis as anywhere. The more information you send in with your sample, the better our analysis will be. A seasoned analyst may be able to arrive at certain conclusions even with little to no context, but as Blackstone Joe attests, the devil is in the details.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
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Trusting your gut is a good start to vehicle maintenance, but it can only get you so far. Whether it's a coolant leak you're suspicious of, or there's been a recall that may affect your engine, oil analysis can help you confirm those suspicions or lay them to rest. Blackstone Joe explores how in this episode.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
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Blackstone Joe sits down with fellow analyst Brett Jenkins to talk about what unit IDs are, and to share some of their favorites.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
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Oil life monitors. Chances are, your car has one on board to let you know when it’s time to change your oil out. But what if you want to run longer than what the OLM suggests? In this episode, Blackstone Joe explores how his own engine oil looked after months of the monitor reporting zero oil life.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
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Oil samples from engines that are fresh out of the factory, or from recently rebuilt engines, often contain a lot of wear metal and silicon. But why is that? And why do certain parts seem to produce more metal during the wear-in process than others? These were the questions a customer asked us, and in this episode, Blackstone Joe seeks to provide some answers.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Arryn Dennard
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Oil analysis is one way to gauge your engine's health. But it isn't the only way. In this episode, Blackstone Joe breaks down what to do when oil analysis can't provide all the answers for a customer with high copper readings in their Lycoming.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Josh Straley
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Brett Jenkins, senior analyst, hasn't been at Blackstone long, but she's already had a major impact on the world of oil analysis. Blackstone Joe sat down to talk with Brett to talk about the forms of sabotage that oil analysis can and can't spot in testing.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Guest: Brett Jenkins
Producer: Josh Straley
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Blackstone Laboratories helps you keep your engines, transmissions, and other equipment running smoothly. But what does it take to keep Blackstone Labs going strong? Blackstone Joe talked with Erik DeMarco aka "The Guy"about the maintenance needs of an oil lab (2:25), how working at Blackstone changed his maintenance routines (21:50), and past test results in a new segment, Explain That Sample (25:50).
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Guest: Erik DeMarco
Producer: Josh Straley
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This week Slick Talk is time traveling with a reading of This Ain't Your Daddy's ATF by Ryan Stark where ATF, CVTs, and the idea of "lifetime fluids" are all put under the spotlight.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Josh Straley
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To begin the new year, Blackstone Joe has updates on the lab, what we're doing to improve turnaround time, and a Q&A segment regarding sampling technique, and what to do if we send you more than one sample kit.
The main event is a reading of "Landslide," a newsletter from '04 written by the founder of Blackstone Labs, Jim Stark. This is a one-of-a-kind illustration of used oil analysis and why it matters. Not only is this informative but it's a way to introduce you to our late founder, and his approach to explaining the data that made the Blackstone oil report what it is today.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Josh Straley
Featured music: "not me" by Infraction
https://bit.ly/3XQpNvQ
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Blackstone Joe is ready to wrap up 2023 with another round of q&a with the analyst. Joe answers questions about changing oil change intervals when switching oil brands, pinpointing aluminum bearing wear in analysis, and why it makes sense to send older oil samples in for testing.Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Joshua Straley--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blackstone-laboratories/message
Is it time to change your oil? It's nowhere close to being time for the oil and engines in this week's episode. Inspired by a stray bottle of Mobil 1 5W/30 and less than satisfying answers from the Mobil Help Desk, Blackstone Joe digs into a few different examples of oil holding up well over months, years, and even decades.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.
Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Joshua Straley
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From a spectral analysis covering 20 different elements, to a stable of physical tests that help determine everything from viscosity to how effective oil filtration was working, oil analysis truly is a feast of clues. As we're just a few days away from carving the turkey, Blackstone Joe thought it would be a great time to breakdown how we can use the clues in a used oil analysis to help determine the ideal oil change interval, whether you need to change the oil based on calendar time, and how we're able to detect everything from harmless flux washing off a new emissions component to coolant contamination.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit here.
Have a question or shoutout? Call Slick Talk at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Joshua Straley
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To test a sample we must first unpack it, and it takes a trusted pair of hands to transfer your oil to the lab and the sample details to our system - enter Eric. He's a data clerk by title, but that doesn't quite do his work justice as he's part of the talented team in our receiving area, the front lines as it were, of Blackstone Laboratories. Eric joined Blackstone Joe to answer questions how to properly send a sample, Blackstone's work load, and some of the more interesting samples he's run into during his time at the stone. Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit here.
Have a question or shoutout? Call Slick Talk at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Guest: Eric Sanchez
Producer: Joshua Straley
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President Ryan Stark returns to talk to Joe about summer flying and leaded fuel (3:40), company growth and new lab setup (11:50) before answering customer questions about magnetic drain plugs, coolant analysis, flashpoint testing, and how analysts determine an engine's true wear profile (23:50). Last but least, a response to misconceptions about our averages (39:00).
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit here.
Have a question or shoutout? Call Slick Talk at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Guest: Ryan Stark
Producer: Josh Straley
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Kristin Huff, Vice President of Blackstone Laboratories, began her oil analysis journey in 2002. In the years since, Kristin has been a focal point of the operation - her one-of-a-kind wit and humor have been essential ingredients to the comments we craft, even going as so far to create the world-famous Blackstone FAQs on our website. As such, it was long overdue for Blackstone Joe to invite Kristin on the show to help break down our approach to report writing. If you ever wanted to learn what the key ingredients are in a well-written comment, the origins of the comment itself, and what makes our report comments one-of-a-kind in the industry, this episode is for you.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit here.
Have a question or shoutout? Call Slick Talk at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Joshua Straley
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Blackstone Joe sat down with the producer of Slick Talk, Josh, to celebrate Slick Talk's 100th episode! Listen for a look back at memorable guest appearances, hot takes, and the journey that was starting and maintaining Slick Talk over 100 episodes of content.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit here.
Have a question or shoutout? Call Slick Talk at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Joshua Straley
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Senior Analyst Suzi Herman joins Blackstone Joe for a discussion about her study of TBNs and TANs (04:10), maintaining her Corolla, Fit, and Chevy S10 (12:10), and her background before joining Blackstone Laboratories (20:00).
Read Part 1 of Suzi's TBN and TAN Newsletter.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit here.
Have a question or shoutout? Call Slick Talk at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Guest: Suzi Herman
Producer: Joshua Straley
Slick Talk & Blackstone Joe are back before Labor Day Weekend with another Meet the Analyst episode with Samir - senior analyst. He tells Joe how Fast & Furious planted the seeds of him being a gearhead and brought him to the Marine Corps (3:35), the journey of his '98 Silvia to the race car it is today (10:38), how working in oil analysis has changed this maintenance routines (15:00), and how customers should approach oil analysis for insurance purposes (20:30).
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit here.
Have a question or shoutout? Call Slick Talk at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Guest: Samir Kharbas
Producer: Joshua Straley
Senior Analyst Raegan Byers is back from California and joins Blackstone Joe with two stories about oil analysis. One about her Toyota Prius (2:30). The other about her husband's Chevy S10 that could be developing its own bearing problem (8:00). Then, Blackstone Joe digs more into Raegan's biology background, how she relates it to oil analysis (10:40), and how's she's maintaining the Prius today (17:20).
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit here.
Have a question or shoutout? Call Slick Talk at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Guest: Raegan Byers
Producer: Joshua Straley
What does oil analysis and the Dennis Quad action movie Vantage Point have in common? Things can look different from where you're standing. Blackstone Joe breaks down a couple instances where problems in oil analysis don't always make themselves known right away, how you can eliminate variables to find the source of the problem, and why it pays to watch and wait.
Have a question or shoutout? Call Slick Talk at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Joshua Straley
Soot. The byproduct of combustion. Every engine is going to have a little of it, but it's a very big deal for diesel engines. So. How much soot is too much? Blackstone Joe breaks everything you need to know about soot, how it will affect an engine, and what Blackstone Laboratories can tell you about the soot levels in your latest sample.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get started with our free test kit!
Have a question or shoutout? Call Slick Talk at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Joshua Straley
Blackstone Joe breaks down questions and concerns ranging from the impact of poor air quality (2:30), responding to skepticism about sampling without changing the oil, (5:25), a customer outside the US wonders how they can get in on Blackstone oil analysis (13:50), and the latest sample from a WRX breaks a nice trend (15:40).
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get started with our free test kit!
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Joshua Straley
Everyone wants their car, pick-up truck, or mini-van's engine to run for a long time. But few people would ever envision an engine lasting over 1,000,000 miles. Justin Kilmer did just that with his Honda Accord's V6. Blackstone Joe talks with Justin Kilmer about his record-setting million miles on his Honda Accord's V-6, the maintenance it took to reach that mark, and how the engine looked in its Blackstone Laboratories samples.
Follow Justin on Instagram and YouTube.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get started with our free test kit!
Host: Joe Adams
Guest: Justin Kilmer
Producer: Joshua Straley
After years of looking at oil reports, especially the reports that don't look so good due to poor wear or contamination, it's important to single out and appreciate the engines that are producing truly exceptional results. This episode takes aim at a 2.0L Turbo EcoBoost sample that just looked too good for our host, Blackstone Joe, to pass up. Listen as he breaks down what made the report so impressive, and how oil analysis is the only way to find out just how well an engine is performing in circumstances like this Focus ST found itself in after a lengthy oil run.
You should never read the comments, but Blackstone Joe braved them for this pod. Blackstone Joe addresses the questions and concerns quite a few commenters had about him sampling his Chevy Blazer without changing its oil.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit here.
Have a question or shoutout? Call Slick Talk at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joseph Adams
Producer: Joshua Straley
Senior Analyst Brian Despain is back on Slick Talk to talk in-depth with Blackstone Joe about an 17,000-mile oil change interval on his Honda Civic, why the results didn't look great, and how Brian got the numbers back on track.
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit here.
Have a question or shoutout? Call Slick Talk at 614-407-6169.
Host: Joseph Adams
Producer: Joshua Straley
Your latest dose of oil analysis podcasting is here. This week Blackstone Joe answers a listener question about fuel dilution and water contamination in Yamaha outboard engines (1:20) then discusses three samples (reclaimed fuel oil, industrial hydraulic oil, and one from a Subaru Outback) that required dialing up the customer for more information (5:30).Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit here.Have a question or shoutout? Call Slick Talk at 614-407-6169.Host: Joseph AdamsProducer: Joshua Straley--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blackstone-laboratories/message
Meet Brian! His voice may be familiar to you already if you've called in to discuss one of your reports, but today we go beyond the report page and meet the man behind the keys. Blackstone Joe sat down with Brian to learn what brought Brian to the 'stone - it's a winding road that includes a stint with the Marines, narrowly escaping an arranged marriage, and talents beyond report writing. But before calling it a day, Brian presents Joe with a few instances where oil analysis saved the day for Blackstone Labs customers (34:00). Brian is a cool guy - check it out!
Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit here.
Host: Joseph Adams
Guest: Brian Despain
Producer: Joshua Straley
The pandemic, inflation, and shortages haven't made maintenance easy over the past three years. Customers can't find their usual oil or their usual choice of filter in some cases. This week Blackstone Joe digs into a few situations where oil analysis can help customers sleep easier at night when trying to make do with their engines. Plus, Joe answers a question from friend of the pod, Crazy Dave, about Unit IDs on Blackstone Labs reports.
Bonus: Blackstone Joe's recipe for the Greatest Chicken Salad In the World - recipe below
4-6 chicken thighs, boneless/skinless, marinaded in italian salad dressing and grilled over charcoal (or propane if you must, but c'mon)
2 poblano peppers, charred and cleaned before dicing
1 jalapeno, diced (can substitute pickles if you don't want spice)
1/2 red onion, diced
Juice of one 1 lemon, add zest if desired
Add mayonnaise to desired consistency
Finish with fresh chopped dill (as much as you like)
Season with salt and pepper (ideally Crazy Jane's Hamburger seasoning, if you can find it)
Host: Joseph AdamsProducer: Joshua Straley
We know our customers are interested in learning all they can about the data, but what about the analyst themselves? Hard-hitting questions like, "Are you a cat or dog person," "coffee or tea," "what superpowers did you acquire during quarantine," the list goes on. Blackstone Joe sat down with senior analyst Miranda Beck to break down these very same questions, and much, much more. After getting to know Miranda, we wrap things up with a breakdown of an aircraft sample where the oil held crucial evidence of a cylinder-area problem, and we also break down a sample where the container may have skewed the results, finally wrapping things up with tales of oil analysis circa 1966. Great talk!
Every oil has a story, and that's not only the tagline for the best petroleum-based podcast. In this episode, Blackstone Joe breaks down an application for used oil analysis that was new to him, as well as a look behind the scenes of how Blackstone connects with customers beyond the data. We wrap things up with a tale of an interesting sampling technique that had a noticeable impact on the results. It's oil in a day's work, folks.
Host: Joseph Adams
Producer: Joshua Straley
The eye test for oil is good for many things, but determining the exact viscosity, additive package, and severity of contamination is a bridge too far even for the far-sighted among us. The Blackstone Labs standard analysis will break down the viscosity range the oil falls in, additive elements, and the presence of contaminants such as fuel or coolant. Episode 84 is all about how you'll be better equipped in finding out -- whose oil is this anyway?
Host: Joe Adams
Producer: Joshua Straley
Blackstone Joe is revisiting one of Slick Talk's very first subjects this week - BMWs and rod bearing wear (3:30). Joe digs into the most at risk engines, how to spot a bearing problem in oil analysis, and a few things to keep in mind when building trends for your own car. And then, Joe tackles a listener question about extended oil use, oil filtration, and how it can affect piston rings in the The Catch Pan segment (19:05).
Host: Joseph Adams
Producer: Joshua Straley
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The New Year is off to an interesting start for Slick Talk. In Episode 82, Blackstone Joe addresses a customer's unique way of testing the pH of a coolant samples (1:10). Then, a customer's curiosity about the difference between hot and cold sampling gives Slick Talk its first Catch Pan segment of 2023 (6:25), and then finally Joe finally digs into today's main topic of flux compound. What is it? Why do we see it? And how should it be handled for diesel and other turbocharged engine owners (10:30)?
Host: Joseph Adams
Producer: Joshua Straley
What was it that Matthew McConaughey said about looking back to move forward? Well, Blackstone Joe must have watched one too many of those commercials, because the start of 2023 finds our host looking back on 2022, fondly of course, with a few different highlights in mind. First, we revisit a past episode and dig a little deeper into low and no-oil situations (2:18). Next, Blackstone Joe answers Slick Talk's very first caller question (9:00) about a faulty MAP sensor and whether or not fuel dilution in a used oil sample might be related. Third, Joe shares his first experience in an RV-12 aircraft (13:20) - footage from this very same flight can be found on our instagram - check out the reel posted on Nov. 4th 2022. Finally, we wrap up with a voicemail shoutout from collaborator Matt B a.k.a. Garage Engineer (16:25).
Got a question or a shoutout for Blackstone Joe? Call us at: 614-407-6169 or email BlackstoneLabs@gmail.com.
Host: Joseph Adams
Producer: Joshua Straley
'Tis the Pod before Christmas and Blackstone Joe is back with a triple-header of oil analysis topics. Do high wear levels go hand in hand with a high-mileage motor? A Toyota Tacoma and its 1GR-FE hitting 400,000 miles provide insight into our expectations from an aging engine (01:54). Then, Joe tackles an email question about what's the right time to sample a freshly rebuilt Lycoming IO-540 is. Hint: it's sooner than you'd expect (05:25). Thirdly, Joe breaks down the latest sample from an MB SL500, the first since we found high levels right after the new owner had completed the purchase. If you think engines can't improve their wear profile as they age, you might want to think again.
Plus! An announcement! The Slick Talk phone lines are open. Leave a message, question, or shoutout for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169 to be featured on an upcoming episode.
Host: Joseph Adams
Producer: Joshua Straley
A customer recently emailed and had the question: is there a magic number somewhere on this report? They were asking if in any particular area, one number or result could tell them about the overall condition of their engine. Blackstone Joe thought this was an ideal time to break down the lack of an overall score/grade on our oil report, and why we instead opt for a much more comprehensive approach, breaking down the sample in its entirety and explaining why the results are high are low, and the reason why a high/low result may be indicative of a good result or a possible problem.
A podcast listener wrote in with an interesting question: how do we ensure consistency in the results, no matter who the analyst is? At Blackstone, there is a multi-layered review process that starts with the login process and carries through to the final report. Blackstone Joe is here to break down that approach, as well as give a special s/o to an engine with results that he just couldn't help but share with listeners of the show.
It's a common scenario in our line of work: engine runs dangerously low on oil and the owner is left to wonder what's the damage. Are repairs, replacement, or a rebuild inevitable? Or, did the engine escape without any obvious issues showing up in the used oil? Blackstone Joe is here to break down two scenarios with very different outcomes, detailing why it's important to not to jump to conclusions and go straight to the data.
The oil you buy probably has a recommended amount of mileage on it, "Good for xxx miles!" the text will usually read. When sending in a sample of the used oil, though, we often find ourselves recommending an interval that contradicts whatever is promised on the label, and some owners (rightfully so) want to know, "What gives?" In episode 76, Blackstone Joe is here to break down one of those very same instances, where the results, one in particular, really, called for a careful approach before extending the interval. The oil you run can certainly make a difference in some results, though, and that's why Blackstone Joe breaks down another example of how high levels of one particular metal can be directly related, and harmlessly so, to the oil the owner used. Enjoy!
Should I sample the first oil change?The short answer: yes. But you'll want to listen as Blackstone Joe breaks down the reason why sampling the first oil change is valuable, even if there is likely to be excess metal and silicon from wear-in and sealer washing outShould I wait to sample until I suspect a problem?It's always a good idea to check on your engine when you think something is wrong, but starting with oil analysis before you suspect a problem is even more valuable. Blackstone Joe digs into the benefits of sampling from the get-go and how you can use oil analysis to your advantage even after discovering a problem.
Picture this: the engine you own is facing either certain contamination or the possibility thereof, and you're now faced with deciding how to proceed with the maintenance plan. You might be wondering whether you should use an additive, if recent work might have impacted the results, or how you can go about looking for symptoms of a problem on your end. In this episode, Blackstone Joe is here to break down the do's and don'ts when it comes to addressing coolant, fuel, or excess dirt in the engine oil.
Today's questions include:
What's the difference between gas/diesel and aircraft engine oils?
Does it matter if I'm using a filter magnet?
Will residual additive skew results?
How much oil do I need to sample?
What information slip to use?
Is oil analysis worthwhile before buying?
No matter the reason for a customer's initial sample, there tends to be a familiar follow-up question: When do I check back? Listen as Blackstone Joe unpacks the question, and how it's important to send in a follow-up sample, especially when harder use is part of the equation.
Bonus segments:
Used oil analysis - not just for engines!
Blackstone Joe responds to internet maintenance tips
It's never a good idea to jump to conclusions, especially when it comes to vehicle maintenance. In this episode, Blackstone Joe breaks down an example where an owner noticed low oil pressure, which can be evidence of a bearing problem, but not always. Enter the value of used oil analysis, where the owner was able to find out if the bearings were in fact wearing poorly, or if there might have been another explanation for the engine suddenly having low oil pressure.
It's the age old question. "Do I need to change my oil?"
Blackstone Joe is back in Episode 70 to answer this very question by breaking down a sample from his own 2021 Chevy Blazer.
With a trip to Louisville looming, will the oil have what it takes to go the distance or is it time for a change?
This episode is comprised of four acts. Act 1: Open: An update on the Paul Blart Saga at Blackstone Laboratories.
Act 2: A Lycoming owner switches to 15W/50 and we find a noticeable change in the trends, one element in particular. Was it a problem or not? Listen and you'll hear Blackstone Joe unpack the outcome.
Act 3: Seawater can reach the engine oil, but will it always show up the same way? It's all about how severe the situation is. Blackstone Joe explains why there may or may not be water left in the oil, and how we can find evidence of seawater even when there is no actual moisture left in the used oil.
Act 4: An update on Slick Talk media
An O-300 had a problem and it wasn't obvious on the operator's end, but luckily they sent an oil sample along. The problem was clear as day in the used oil, helping the owner keep the engine up in the air and keeping the repairs far less costly than they would be otherwise. You can reference the report data on our Insta, FB, and Twitter pages. The drama doesn't end there, though. Listen as Blackstone Joe details a series of mysterious packages being sent to his office, the contents, and where the situation currently stands.
You want an engine to make good power, but making oil? Not so much. If you notice a rising oil level on the dipstick or that you drain more oil than you put in, there's a couple of contaminants that could be in play. Listen as Blackstone Joe details what sort of contaminants are likely to cause an increase in the oil level, how we find them in testing, and what to do next if you have a problem.
In this episode, Blackstone Joe takes you through a few scenarios that analysts around Blackstone Laboratories find themselves in on a daily basis -- making sense of sudden changes in an aircraft engine's wear profile, evaluating low viscosity readings in a motorcycle engine, and suggesting longer oil change intervals.
Whether it's an actor onstage or an engine, a break in character can speak to a problem, but not always do increases in wear or indicators of contamination result in a problem. Instead, a break in character (or trends) can be the result of wear-in from repairs, or a newly-installed part. In this episode, Blackstone Joe unpacks exactly this type of shift where an engine that had built a reputation for wearing well and not struggling with contaminants suddenly took a turn in another direction, with high levels that had more than one possible explanation. Listen as Blackstone Joe details the findings, what they could mean, and how communication with the owner helped solve the mystery
A sample where nothing was as it seems? That's exactly what happened to Blackstone Joe when he pulled up an aircraft sample that looked anything but right. Unusual additives, physical properties, and spikes in wear metals and silicon meant something had to be wrong. Want to learn more? Just press play on this episode. Thanks for listening!
A/C owners, folks wondering if that sample they took a while ago is still good for testing, and even those wondering how worried (if at all) they should be about an out-of-spec result will benefit from hearing this episode of Slick Talk, wherein Blackstone Joe breaks down helpful rules to live by that will make the process of sending in a sample and understanding the results afterward that much easier. After the main event, stay tuned for the bonus segment: Unit ID of the week!
Oil is what you know us for, but it's by no means the entire scope of our analysis. Coolant and understanding whether it's serviceable is another crucial element to what makes a liquid-cooled engine stay on the road. Listen as Blackstone Joe unpacks the components of our analysis, bringing with him a few samples that illustrate what makes for a serviceable sample, and what can call for a flush/inspection. Bonus points: answers to survey questions regarding race oil and oil change intervals for race engines.
Switching from one oil type to another can invite a lot of concern, but that doesn't have to be the case. In this episode, you'll learn how an owner that went from years of running one grade changed to another and wound up with results that were strikingly similar. Our host, Blackstone Joe, wasn't surprised and tells you exactly why he more or less expected the results post-switch to be a mirror-image of what we had seen from this particular engine before.
From the declassified files of Blackstone Joe: Fuel Forum Noir - a harrowing tale of concern on the keyboards, and an owner looking for answers.
Automotive engineer by day, and all around good guy Matt B, a.k.a. @garage_engineer joins Blackstone Joe on Episode 59 of Slick Talk! Learn all about Matt's beloved 1987 Camaro, finding and fixing a coolant leak, and much, much more!
Every result has an explanation - sometimes that's high wear due to a problem, or elements that make clear the presence of contamination, the wrong oil being in use, and the list goes on. It's also true, though, that a less-than-ideal result doesn't always amount to a problem. High metals from wear-in, or elements that can be harmless additive as opposed to contamination are just a couple scenarios we come across daily. In order to present an accurate report and not just a page of elements with levels marked as "high" or "low" with no additional explanation, we offer an analysis that factors in all of the variables we can account for, and help you work through what's clearly an issue versus what isn't. That's the Blackstone Difference - an analysis where you can follow along in the comment and see what we found that's notable, how we identify a problem, and where to go next after an analysis is complete. Blackstone Joe walks you through it all in this episode, so just sit back and enjoy!
Join Blackstone Joe and Brandon, a lab operator on staff at Blackstone, as they unpack the thrilling history of Brandon's beloved GT500.
Symptoms of a problem were apparent on the driver's end, especially in a certain noise the engine was making. You'll hear the exact noise in the episode, as well as what Brandon was able to find after tearing into the engine. Repairs followed, and you'll hear Joe and Brandon unpack it all, with details about what was found in the oil and filter analysis. It's not a tragic ending, either. This V8 is still roaring today, and you'll learn all the steps that were taken to keep it that way. Enjoy!
It was Blackstone Joe's turn to analyze a couple of oil filters in the lab, and sure enough he uncovered signs of excess wear that, along with results from an oil analysis, helped inform the owner of potential problems. It wasn't all bad news, though. Listen as Blackstone Joe unpacks particulate other than metal that doesn't necessarily call for alarm. If you're unfamiliar with filter analysis or want to know how we go about the process, this episode is for you!
See survey link for Episode 55: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q8BWZKQ
With the release of "Episode 54," we had some burning questions for the listeners of Slick Talk, centered around what would make you keep, get rid of/junk a vehicle. Now Blackstone Joe is back in the host chair, and ready to break down your answers and how oil analysis can play such a valuable role in helping you maintain a vehicle or stave off serious problems that would result in putting that vehicle out to pasture.
Now there is a bit more data mining we'd like to try, though, namely finding out what episode content you're looking for more of in 2022, and what your favorite listening app is. With your answers we'll be able to bring the content you want, and make our presence known to more listeners in the vast podcast landscape. Thanks for your help!
SURVEY LINK: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SFMD5H7
If you're curious where to begin with testing, this episode is for you. Blackstone Joe is back in the host chair and offering a walkthrough of testing, what we run if you don't ask for anything, and what to ask for on the slip especially if you are short on a full sample or want tests in addition to the all-important standard analysis. Enjoy!
Blackstone Joe is back in the host chair and here to break down the makings of a good report, and why even just the two words "good report" mean so much, both in regards to how your engine is doing and the hard work you put in to earn a favorable review. Come for the data, stay for the food analogies, mention of our latest adventures in social media content, a food recommendation, and more.
Even when everything seems fine, taking a sample from your engine is a crucial part of the maintenance plan. Doing so can help you catch a problem in the very early stages, far before a failure, and that's exactly what occurred for the engine we focus on in this latest episode, one that had a silent killer waiting in the wings. Listen as Blackstone Joe unpacks the problem in question, how we found it, and the ways in which the engine was wearing as a result.
Intro - 0:00-4:00: Blackstone Joe is back in the host chair, ready to greet you with a TV show recommendation and a question about how to handle a recycling bandit, or bandits, in the neighborhood (hey, it can't be all data, all the time).
When to sample - 4:00-7:45: Folks ask all the time, how often should I sample? To answer this FAQ, Joe goes back to the well for another timely running analogy, detailing how your sampling habits should correspond with the data you've stored already, and the importance of basing intervals on trends and wear patterns rather than just relying on the ol' gut instinct.
3.5L EcoBoost Talk 7:45-16:00: Joe talks oil change intervals, both the average interval we see these engines try and the longest interval folks have asked of this engine in our tests.
Like what you're hearing? Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe!
Episode Guide:
0-4:19 - Latest albums we've been listening to.
Joe and Ben first bonded over music and as such they like catching each other up on the latest albums they've been jamming to in the office.
4:20-31:22 - Unit IDs defined and the IDs we love
Ben defines what exactly a Unit ID is in the Blackstone Universe, and from there Joe and Ben talk favorite Unit IDs they've come across, and a little story about each particular unit the ID is given to.
31:23-37:45 - On The Money
Joe and Ben talk about a recent IO-550 sample and how the findings paired with symptoms the customer was noticing in operation helped to identify a particular issue.
A long-awaited guest finally joins the program: Ryan Stark, president of Blackstone Laboratories. This is a wide-ranging interview, covering everything from the early days of Blackstone, how the business has evolved over the years, and of course fun facts about the man himself. Enjoy!
Analyzing a filter can prove just as worthwhile as analyzing used oil. But there’s a big difference in exactly how this analysis is conducted and the information you can gather. If you’ve ever wondered what useful knowledge you can glean from your engine’s filter, look no further than this episode, hosted by Blackstone Joe.
Blackstone Joe sat down with fellow senior analyst, Raegan, to break down a variety of topics. Fresh off an appearance at the Oshkosh air show, Raegan unpacks what makes Oshkosh such a special experience for aircraft owners and enthusiasts. From there, our analysts delved into the hands-on vehicle maintenance that helped Raegan roll into Blackstone ready to talk all things petrol. Stay tuned till the end of the episode to hear Joe and Raegan break down data from a Lycoming O-360 as well as what problem the owner as able to solve thanks to the help of used oil analysis. Enjoy!
A sample arrived from a Volvo diesel, and it didn't look pretty. The engine was clearly wearing poorly, but why? Listen as Blackstone Joe unpacks the results, and how they pointed the customer in the right direction to make repairs and keep the engine running. Oil analysis for the win!
Bonus cuts: a preview of what's to come on Slick Talk, and an important update to our shipping process.
What do a bullet in the Blazer, magnetic oil, and phone calls have in common? They're all part of episode 45, which finds our host Blackstone Joe breaking down an unfortunate event in his Blazer ownership, a sample in the lab that was too interesting not to share, and of course the main event: When Data Calls. Phone calls are important not just for checking an address or card number - they're a way for analysts to reach out and gather important background info, or in some cases, relay the good/bad news you were waiting on. Happy listening!
A customer recently inquired about which engines we've seen the most, and that got our host, Blackstone Joe, thinking. Sure he had some usual suspects in mind, but it took a deep dive into the database to find the Top 10, and it was a journey worth going on.
Join Blackstone Joe as he breaks down not only the engines and systems we've seen customers sample the most, but also fun facts, common issues, and characteristics of the makes/models included.
When starting this podcast, our primary goal was to establish a connection with customers where we aren't just pulling the curtain back on Blackstone Laboratories and what sets us apart - we also wanted to learn more about our customers, what drives them to seek out oil analysis, how it aids in their maintenance plan, and what interests/jobs/hobbies they have that rely on the services we offer. This episode accomplished just that. Blackstone Joe and Kevin Jones (the latter is better known as Ultra4Jones on Instagram and elsewhere on social media) made a connection via the podcast and it didn't take long to find out there was plenty to discuss surrounding oil analysis and how it relates to vehicle maintenance, whether it be a daily driver or a vehicle asked to endure the demands of something much tougher, Ultra 4 Racing. If you're a novice to Ultra 4, don't worry - we break it down and delve into engine/vehicle builds, wrenching in the garage, and so much more.
If you're an aircraft owner, odds are good you know the word "inactivity" but have you ever wondered why we ask about it on our slips? Listen as Blackstone Joe delves into the word, what it means to us, and why it's so important to keep an engine active. If you aren't quite sure what the definition of inactivity even is, don't worry - we start with definitions and work our way from there.
Today's episode title is a burning question on the minds of many Blackstone customers. Today, Blackstone Joe unveils the identity of the mysterious Oscar, along with some fun facts and a breakdown of our example report.
Hearing things? Cars love to talk, and what they tell us can have a simple explanation, but not always. Join our host, Blackstone Joe, as he sorts out different noises (e.g. tick, knock, rattle), what they can mean, and how a used oil analysis can tell you more about what's making that sound.
This episode is a collaboration between Joe Adams (senior analyst, podcast host) and Michael Thomas, a senior lubricant technical agent with Shell Lubricants, based out of the Shell Technical Center in Houston, TX.
Michael has been involved in the automotive industry for 40+ years, with experience that ranges from hands-on (building up his '69 Camaro, for instance), to scholarship (earning a degree in automotive technology), and working as an automotive technical adviser (starting in the '80s with Jiffy Lube, and from there joining Shell's Technical Center.
Joe and Michael's paths happened to cross recently and upon a brief conversation both of them found out they're tasked with answering many of the same questions, such as how long you should go between oil changes, what oil you should be running, additives, and so on.
While different in approach and experience, Joe and Michael have the same goal in mind, and that is helping folks take care of the engine they love. Listen as they discuss what they've learned over the years, how they approach the tough questions, and so much more.
Sampling before you buy any car, truck, aircraft, boat, really anything that needs oil to do its job. If you've been following us for a while, you probably assumed as much but there is still a lot to learn when it comes to background info, what to expect in samples that have little/a lot of use, the list goes on. Listen as Blackstone Joe gives the breakdown on a pre-buy sample and how to get the most out of one.
Bonus points: update on an upcoming podcast collaboration, and customer appreciation.
In this episode, Blackstone Joe tackles a few different topics, with the main event being the color of used oil, and how the visual appearance can/can't tell us about what's going on with your engine. Bonus points: imposter syndrome and what to do with it, and a preview about a big episode we have coming up.
For this episode's main event, we're covering Unit IDs and not just what they're for, but what you should be thinking about when choosing the name for what it was you sampled.
Key points: Literal is good, nicknames are fun (within reason), and the importance of consistency.
Catch pan segment: What are the pros and cons of using high mileage oil?
For a lot of folks, changing the oil filter with every drain is standard practice. Some manufacturers, though will recommend changing the filter every other oil change. Blackstone Joe tackles the question "is this normal?" and how you can use a standard oil analysis to learn if the filter can/should stay in use.
It started with a simple enough question: "What do you mean by saying most additives don't "show up?" The answer isn't so simple, though. To detail additives, how they do/don't show up in testing, and benefits of using them, Blackstone Joe sat down with fellow report writer, Ben. Enjoy!
Paperwork is the enemy of many, but when it comes to the slip we put in every free test kit, that's not the enemy; it's your best friend.
On the slip we don't just ask about the engine or oil you're sampling -- we want to know if there are any issues you're either aware of, or have reason to suspect. Reason being, there is a big difference between saying "You have a problem that you should fix soon" and "Hey, here is the coolant you're already aware of -- here is how the engine is doing in spite of that," or "here are other issues that warrant your attention." Blackstone Joe illustrates the importance of filling out a slip with a recent story from a 6.0L PSD.
Bonus point: What testing do I need if I'm worried about a coolant leak?
A tale as old as time, or at least the times of oil analysis: Can you look at these results? Well, if they're from Blackstone Laboratories, the answer is always a resounding yes. So often, though, folks might ask if we can look at results from another lab. Blackstone Joe is here to break down why analyzing results from another lab is problematic, why folks want to switch to Blackstone in the first place, and the obvious exceptions to the rule.
Blackstone Joe talks diesels, coffee, and a fable from the rig. What more do you need to know?
Welcome to the first installment of "Going the Distance" - this will be a series of episodes where we delve into specific engine types and data that makes it clear whether or not extended oil use is a good idea.
For the latest Q&A with the analyst, we had questions come in regarding the flashpoint -- why we use it and what it can say about fuel dilution.
It's time we demystify TBNs and TANs. These are special tests you can ask for in addition to a standard analysis. But do you need a TBN or TAN? Well that depends on what you're sampling, as well as the answers you're looking for in a used oil analysis. Blackstone Joe is here to walk you through it all.
Merry Christmas, Slick Talk fans! Today marks a complete year of this podcast, and we couldn't have made it this far without you! In this episode, Blackstone Joe and Kyle (executive producer) break down what it's like to start a show from scratch, how we've kept this show on the road throughout a very chaotic year, and dish on our favorite episodes thus far. Stay tuned till the end of the episode for a bonus segment: Albums of the Year (if you wanted to hear Blackstone Joe dish some hot takes about Led Zeppelin and the Beatles, well this is the show for you!). Thanks for joining us.
As much as Blackstone Joe likes hearing himself talk (which isn't too much, frankly -- hearing yourself talk is nothing short of awkward), he's even more inclined to bring on a guest to help carry the load, so to speak. With that in mind, it was a relief to bring on yet another guest from the world of Blackstone: Josh. He's a report writer, and in this round of introductions Blackstone Joe and Josh talk their favorite reports to write, past gigs, how to handle an odd sample, and more.
Can we find a problem, even one that you didn't ask us to look for? Yes indeed. In this latest sample of Slick Talk, join Joe and Ben as they delve into two separate aircraft samples, wherein we identified some concerning finds and what they suggested. The responses from the customers offered more than just a little vindication for our analysts - it's evidence to anyone out there wondering about used oil analysis and if it's worthwhile. More than worthwhile, it's money well spent in our book.
Episode Guide:
Intro includes a Ben fun-fact, and what to expect from Blackstone during and just after a holiday - 0-7:00.
An aircraft sample with high wear and silicon - what was going on? 8:13-16:57.
High aluminum and iron in a Lycoming - 17:36-21:09.
Bonus points: Finding and fixing/managing a coolant leak (21:10-26:00), Albums of the Week (26:17-33:05).
For Blackstone customers with an automatic transmission, the frequently asked question has to be "Should I change it?" Listen as Blackstone Joe details the answer, and the data we rely on when making an oil change suggestion.
Bonus points: Tattoos and oil reports -- what do these have in common? You'll also find out Blackstone Joe's football team (hint - the mascot is a wild animal but their offense is more akin a stick in the mud).
Thanks for listening!
As the title suggests, this episode is a motley mix of topics, both directly about our testing but also what makes us a unique batch of analysts in the industry we call home. Joe is joined once again by Ben, and the two take you through diesel fuel testing, what we look for and why it's important to have diesel fuel tested. This episode also makes the start of a new segment, "Tough Questions" where Joe and Ben details instances where the questions can go a little beyond the data, and how we work to address those situations. Lastly, to help you get to know us a little more, Joe and Ben talk their album of the week. Enjoy!
A tale as old as the industry itself - metals are high in a used oil sample and the next question is: Is this too much? Or, maybe the question will go more like "Is my engine finished?" In some cases the data will be clear, and offer a definitive yes/no to these questions. But what about situations where we have to wait and see if metals don't improve from a sample with high levels? This episode is here to detail the process in determining high levels, the various sources (e.g. poor wear, additives, wear-in) and how it's important to contextualize a high level before writing it off as the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Appetizer: Blackstone Joe returns to the focus of many FAQs, extended oil use and how to approach it. This time Joe found an interesting connection between man and machine, and why we're not all that different when it comes to finding our limits.
Main course: To change the oil, or not to change the oil -- that is the question facing many owners of aircraft, vehicles, and boats as the winter season approaches. There is no hard/fast rule for every engine, though. Before proceeding with an oil change, give this show a listen to find out if you really need to, or if it's fine to leave the oil in use until after the winter season is done for.
Exciting news first: We have another Slick Talk giveaway! Steps for entry are easy, you just need to listen to our podcast for the details!
Now the topic at hand: The Analyst Mindset. It's common for customers to ask questions that go something like "So, what did you really want to tell me?" Or, the question might be "Give it to me a straight, what's really going on here?" With that our host, Blackstone Joe, thought it was a good opportunity to dive into exactly how we approach samples, the information we want to give, and why we'll always give you an honest assessment no matter the good or bad news that might come with.
Do you know when to sample, and why it's important? If not this episode is for you! Join Joe as he breaks down three common scenarios that bring folks into the business, and what keeps them sampling going forward. So if you're an owner of anything that needs oil to do its job, chances are good this episode has more than a few helpful hints and examples to guide you into the wide world of oil analysis.
You'll also hear a very important, apparel-related announcement. Thanks for listening!
We use the flashpoint test to determine fuel and how much is present in used engine oil. This test has deep roots in the history of used oil analysis at large, and Blackstone's personal history. If you're interested in uncovering fuel dilution or tracking down a fuel system issue, this episode gives the breakdown of fuel testing and how the entirety of the standard analysis tells you about how contamination might be impacting the engine and oil itself.
Episode Guide:
Listener Appreciation Segment (1:58)
Slick Talk T-shirts! (4:15)
Flashpoint definition (5:40)
How to find a flashpoint (8:45)
Fuel testing in the 50's (10:50)
Importance of additives (14:40)
Is it a problem to sample cold? 19:00
Using the wrong fluid in a Nissan CVT transmission can be a serious detriment, causing anything from rough operation to a complete failure. Used oil analysis is an invaluable tool to know with complete confidence that the correct fluid is in use. In this episode, our host Blackstone Joe gives a rundown of Nissan NS-2 and NS-3 fluids, approved oils for Nissan CVTs and how we can determine if the right or wrong fluid is in use.
Episode Guide:
Catch Pan Q&A - 2:00
Nissan CVTs - 3:35
In this retrospective episode, we take a look at used oil analysis, it's beginnings at the turn of the 20th century, and how it changed through the years. You'll learn there are some firm beliefs that have carried over though the years (like when to change the oil and why), as well as the test methods/practices that have coincided with complete paradigm shifts in how we look at oil and its capabilities. You'll also hear another catch pan segment featuring questions on magnetic drain plus and oil consuption on the highway versus in-town driving.
When folks start using E85, they often wonder how it might affect maintenance. Common questions are should I change the oil sooner, does E85 cause poor wear ect. We cover those questions and more in this episode of Slick Talk. Thanks to Nishan of Tuned By Nishan (check out his YouTube channel!) for bringing this topic to the show.
Episode guide:
1:40 - Catch Pan Questions
6:10 - E85 from Blackstone perspective
9:00 - Does E85 cause a low viscosity? Not Necessarily
12:00 - So what if I do have a low viscosity, should I change the oil then?
13:00 - E85 and water - a rarity but something to keep in mind.
15:17 E85 and engine wear
Customer interaction is a big part of our day-to-day, but mainly just to discuss results and what they mean. Now with recurring Meet the Analyst segments, you have the opportunity to learn more about the person crafting the comments that set our reports apart from so many others in the industry. For this show we sat down with Ben, a relatively new presence in these parts but he's already slinging reports out with the best of them and in this show you learn more about the man himself, his Chrysler Cordoba, and how oil analysis has informed his beliefs about cars and maintenance of them.
As an added bonus, we also debuted a brand new segment: Failure Or Not. For this episode we pulled some interesting data from a Nissan Frontier that certainly didn't look good, but did those results translate to a failure or is the engine still on the road? Listen to find out!
Episode Guide:
Tales of the Cordoba - 2:00
Dream Car - 6:35
The Beauty of Cheap Oil - 9:30
Is this the Right Oil? - 12:45
Water Meth Injection - 16:30
Aircraft and the Importance of Hours on the Oil - 20:40.
Failure or Not - 25:20
If you assumed we spent most of our day looking at engine, transmission, and industrial samples then you'd be right. But does it get weird, you might ask? Yes, yes it does. We'll test samples from literally anything that needs oil to do its job. Enter the first episode in a new series, "Can You Test It?" As the title suggests, this time we'll be focusing on a sample of barber chair oil. Listen as "Blackstone Joe" unpacks what the sample looked like and the insights we were able to lend. This episode also features a Q&A segment and COVID-19 update that you don't want to miss!
Episode Guide:
COVID-19 Update - 1:25
Catch Pan Q&A - 3:20
Can You Test It? - 10:53
It all started with the question "Can you find bore scoring in a Porsche engine?" Well if you're familiar with our services, you know that we can indeed find evidence of bore scoring, just like many other wear-related problems. But for Max Revs and his YouTube following, bore scoring was just one of the many topics we covered during our livestream chat.
Episode Guide:
2010 Porsche Cayman analysis - 20:16
Which oil is best? - 33:50
Using an engine flush/cold starts - 39:40
Sampling without changing the oil - 45:00
All about wear-in samples - 47:40
Why does diesel engine oil turn black so quickly? - 51:05
Chevy 2500 analysis - 52:25
Honda Accord analysis - 57:00
Guessing the engine - 60:00
In these days of quarantine and stay-in-place orders, many are worried about oil going bad just from sitting. In this episode, our host Joe digs into the various applications and what sitting can mean when it comes to oil and serviceability. If you've got anything that needs oil to do its job, this episode has something for you!
Episode Guide:
1:55 - Unused oil
3:50 - Vehicles
6:00 - Aircraft and boats
8:00 - ATF/Gear Lube
9:00 - MaxRevs Interview Reminder!
10:45 - Customer Q&A
It's a common scenario: a vehicle's OLM (oil life monitor) says it's time for an oil change, but our results don't say the same thing; in fact it's rare to find the customer couldn't have gone even longer on the oil, regardless of what the OLM % was. Why? Listen along as our host Joe dissects what goes into an OLM calculation, and why used our oil analysis is going to take things a step further in gauging the oil's condition and health of the engine. Episode Guide: Intro and Announcement: 0-2:26, Listener Appreciation: 2:27-6:15, OLM Talk: 6:16-14:32.
With this show, we strive to not just provide the analyst's perspective; we want to hear the questions, comments, and concerns of customers too, and that's just what we have in this tenth episode of Slick Talk. Joe, senior analyst and host, sat down with his good friend, Blackstone customer, and friend of the show, Thomas, to deconstruct oil analysis -- what we can find in testing, what some of the elements mean, and how to respond to some bad results -- all through the lens of a 2013 Honda Accord.
We pulled interesting customer questions from the email files, many of them falling under the FAQ category, so what better place to provide the answers then on a podcast that is easy to find and reference when you're getting ready to send a sample in. Join Joe, our host and senior analyst as he tackles the following: I'm going to send in my second sample and want to make sure its compared to the first, what do I need to do? Does make-up oil affect your test? How about additives such as Lucas, Restore, or Sea Foam?
Will an engine flush mess with my results? How new or old should an oil sample be prior to sending it in? And more!
It's rare for an engine to fail suddenly - we find it's a lot more common for a problem to crop up slowly, then it goes from a small problem to a big one. Enter the value of used oil analysis. We're checking microscopic levels, so you can catch a problem early, and that was just what happened for a recent customer and their 2013 BMW M3. Listen along with our host Joe as he details just what sort of problem was brewing in this M3, and how we caught it.
For those not familiar with used oil analysis, there can be some skepticism about what a 3.5 oz. sample of engine oil can really tell folks about their engine and the shape its in. The truth is: you can learn a lot about the engine such as how it's wearing, if the oil is holding up well, and if there is any harmful contamination. One of our customers happened to send along a narrative detailing her Subaru's UOA (used oil analysis) history and how the data matched up perfectly with the engine issues she was having. Join our host, Joe, as he digs into the car's sample history and how the car's engine oil was in fact telling the tale.
We test aircraft samples and not just a few: they're a huge part of our day-to-day. And for some analysts on staff, interest in aircraft doesn't stop with oil analysis. Amanda, senior analyst and budding pilot, joined the show to talk about her flying experience so far, as well as a couple of FAQs in aircraft analysis: 1. Why does cylinder type matter? 2. What does it mean if my engine has been inactive?
Motorcycle maintenance and restoration is a passion for Luke, one of our writers and lab operators. On this episode, Luke sat down with Joe, writer and host of Slick Talk, and gave us the skinny on what motorcycle projects he's tackled previously, as well as a couple of customer questions: Do synthetic oils cause clutch slippage? How much mileage on a sample do I need to find a wear/coolant issue? This is only our first foray into the world of motorcycles, so if you've got other topics/questions/concerns that you'd like to hear more about, just send them our way!
A huge benefit of oil analysis is that you can catch problems early, before the situation is dire and you might end up losing a motor. Coolant contamination is one of those problems we look for. Join our host Joe and co-producer Kyle as they walk you through why coolant is an issue, how we find evidence of it, and what role oil analysis can play in monitoring a coolant leak. If you like what you hear, don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe!
"How long should I be going between oil changes?" That's a burning question for many of our customers, and oil analysis is essential in finding the ideal oil change interval for your car and the use it sees. Join our host, Joe, as he gives the analyst's perspective on testing and how we use the results to determine just how long your engine likes to have an oil in use.
Bearing wear tends to be a common concern for many M3 and M5 owners we know, and oil analysis is an essential tool for monitoring bearing wear without having to take an engine apart (and of course, for catching poor bearing wear before it turns into a serious problem or failure). But what many customers don't know is just what goes into our evaluation of bearing wear and whether or not it looks concerning for M-owners. Even if you're not a BMW owner or enthusiast, don't worry, this episode still packs plenty of worthwhile info when it comes to bearing wear and how poor wear or a problem shows up in testing. Join senior analysts Joe and Chris as they talk through the analyst's process in gauging bearing wear and how testing can be so essential in catching a problem early.
In the first episode titled "Introductions", we meet our host, Joe Adams. He gives us the lowdown on Slick Talk, a podcast that offers a bi-weekly dive into the frequently asked questions, comments, and concerns brewing in the oil analysis world. For episode one, customer questions include "Which oil is best for my Jeep 4.0L?" and "What additives should I be using?"