Obtaining oil samples from 3116s

[GnrlPatton]

I picked up the SOS oil sample kits to get an analysis done. Given that it only requires about 1/4 cup of oil (taken at operating temp), I'm wondering what the best approach is to get them. I have the reverso system but think it's probably not the right way to do it without cross contaminating the samples. Not sure if I could (or would want to) reach under the engines to sample out of the pan. What do you all recommend?

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[Havana Shamrock]

I do my samples from Blackstone labs they sell a hand pump kit it works
http://www.blackstone-labs.com/vacuum-pump.php

 

[Dancin Dave]

I bought the hand pump from caterpillar and the sos kits should come with a siphon tube that attaches to pump. Draw from the dipstick tube. I always warm up the engines first.

 

[GnrlPatton]

Ah, I see now. Just watched a video on the Cat site on drawing from the dipstick, I'll have to go back to the dealer and get the pump and then a few sections of the tubing, one for each engine. That looks like the easiest way to do it.

 

[carterchapman]

General -

The pump is only about $30 at CAT. I bought two - one for oil and one for A/F...don't want to cross contaminate those two! CAT SOS A/F samples are about $28 each, whereas the oil samples are $13 each...

 

[Woody]

Ah, I see now. Just watched a video on the Cat site on drawing from the dipstick, I'll have to go back to the dealer and get the pump and then a few sections of the tubing, one for each engine. That looks like the easiest way to do it.

You can reuse the tubing but it should be washed so you know it's clean, or you can just buy a roll of it at places like Home depot. That's what I do, I just cut a new piece each time, it's cheap.

 

[Dancin Dave]

The kits include the tubing.

 

[Dancin Dave]

Carter, I just buy the oil kits and send coolant, cat accepts this and is no prob. I use a seperate pump also for the coolant.
The tubing is part of the kit, I have so many extra because you cut it to size and 1 package will do at least 2 engines.

 

[carterchapman]

Dave did you say you pay for an oil sample and send in A/F in it? I've been paying extra for A/F kits!.

For you guys using Blackstone, CAT sells the same pump as Blackstone for less and their oil sample kits are half of Blackstone's. Just sayin'...

 

[Dancin Dave]

Yes

 

[fwebster]

The tubing Caterpillar supplies with the SOS kit is at least twice the length you need. Also, you need to pull the sample from below the level in the engine but not from the bottom of the oil pan….on my engines (I have Walker Air Seps) I pull the oil sample from 12" below the top of the dipstick tube.

Here is a tip…..hold the pump and bottle vertically so you don't get oil up in the top of the pump, then use the knob on the top of the pump to break the suction when the sample bottle gets 2/3 full. Storing the oil sample pump that is full of diesel oil will be a real mess and the above method keeps the pump clear of oil, nice and clean.