Oil Analysis
“The majority of our testing is for engines and generators,” says Charles Boswell, president of R&G Laboratories in Tampa, Florida. “The next most common is coolant and transmission system testing.”
In coolant, Boswell looks for glycol concentrations that ensure adequate freeze protection and heat transfer. He also tests pH to screen for contamination, and nitrites that indicate coolant is protecting an engine against corrosion.
Transmission oil is examined with the same tools as engine oil, though focusing on just a few key wear and contamination parameters, since transmissions don’t experience combustion-related problems.
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Hydraulic systems can also be monitored for contaminated oil. Even power steering and stabilizers can be checked.
