Aviation oil analysis

Frequently asked questions

• Why aviation oil analysis?

  Whether you fly just a few hours a year or log hundreds of hours, you cannot afford not to make regular oil sampling a routine part of engine maintenance. Regular oil analysis keeps you and your mechanic informed about any unusual wear, contamination, and lubricant characteristics.

• Can I use oil analysis on any engine and any year?

  Yes, oil analysis is designed to be used with any lubricated machine. Engines are excellent candidates for oil analysis because the oil can tell you many things about the condition of the engine as well as identifying various contaminants. Every engine is unique. Engine manufacturers will use different components made of various alloys. When these parts begin to wear, small amounts of the metal is found in the oil. ALS uses a very sophisticated data base which has been built over many years to help identify the different alloys used in components. Whether you have a vintage prop or a state-of the-art jet engine, ALS can help you catch problems before they become catastrophic.

• How do I view my test results?

  Online via our online service Webtrieve™. With Webtrieve™, you can search for test results, print or email test reports, run management summary reports, and download data. If you want to receive immediate alerts on your mobile device, download our easy-to-use mobile app, and log in using your Webtrieve™ username and password. Go to the Google Play or Apple Store and search for ALS Tribology.

• I’m thinking of selling my plane, should I have an oil analysis done?

  It’s a good idea. Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes; you would like to see the analysis on a plane you’re interested in, they will as well. Providing oil analysis will help you identify if there are any things to address prior to the sale.

• Should I use oil analysis on a plane’s engine prior to buying it?

  Having the chance to look inside the engine prior to purchase is smart. Imagine if you could tear down the engine and look at every component for wear? Chances are the seller won’t let you do that. You can however, with the seller’s permission, take a sample and have it analyzed. The results will help provide piece of mind on your purchase.

• What can oil analysis do for me that the compression check doesn’t already do?

  Your engine oil has to do many things such as lubricate, cool, protect and act as a dynamic seal at the rings which keep the combustion of the fuel focused on driving the piston and not flowing past the rings. The engine oil can break down over time allowing for a decrease in compression. The result of a compression loss is lack of responsiveness, and reduced power with increased fuel consumption. Oil analysis can identify if there is ring or liner wear by identifying applicable wear metals.