Has anyone investigated how Polaris Labs/Oil Analyzers determine their wear limits or flag levels?
A few months ago before setting up an online account directly with Polaris. They told me they have a very large database of components, and history of oil analysis, in the millions. They had a profile for the engine and transmission in my car. The reasonable cost of the tests, large database of data to support their recommendations and analysis, GC Fuel testing, and TBN and oxidation and each sample result is reviewed by an analyst was a selling point.
Below is what I found out since then.
1. They apparently have a large database of components, engines transmissions, and other equipment. They claim any underlying data, raw data and simple statistical information they get from customers oil analysis is intellilectual property, proprietary and confidential business records. Makes you wonder. They will not provide any raw or underlying data on their Wear Limits. Other labs do. I found that my engine type there is a big discrepancy between labs with similar number of samples..
2. They only use manufacturer and model, no other identifying info for their profile. Model is often substituted for displacement. Example: Ford 5.8L. That is it. In my case I tried to use GM Ecotec 2.4L, Nope, not enough samples. The GM Ecotec has been used in many vehicles for over 20 years. I asked if they could combine the 2.0, 2.2, and 2.4. Could not do that. I had to change to a GMC 2.4L profile so that there is enough samples to create a profile.
3. They do not track the year of manufacture for the wear limit profile. They group all engines together regardless of when they were manufactured. This does not take into account changes in design, i.e. aluminum heads, blocks, technology improvements, application of the engine.
4. They do not track average fluid time or component time for their wear limit profile . When I asked them if they saw elevated iron levels (50% of their wear limit) or even 75%, when the oil had only made it 25% of the normal OCI, they would not flag it. They said the fluid time and component time is irrelevant. They said the fluid time (engine operation) had no bearing on the amount of wear contaminants, and it was never linear with respect to time.
5. Lastly, they admitted they spend on average 60 seconds, analyzing the results and use pre-defined statements and comments in their report. They have 10 people supporting 3000 - 4000 analysis per day.
6. Although you provide comments and information on the sample forms, They do not include it in the report and often times they do not take into account. Getting information corrected is a laborious endeavor.
The above information came from multiple analyst and supervisory staff. Needless to say I am not impressed with their report analysis and customer service. Going through Amsoil/Oil Analyzers is just another layer of customer service.
Before selecting a lab, do your homework. I thought I did, but I was wrong.
A few months ago before setting up an online account directly with Polaris. They told me they have a very large database of components, and history of oil analysis, in the millions. They had a profile for the engine and transmission in my car. The reasonable cost of the tests, large database of data to support their recommendations and analysis, GC Fuel testing, and TBN and oxidation and each sample result is reviewed by an analyst was a selling point.
Below is what I found out since then.
1. They apparently have a large database of components, engines transmissions, and other equipment. They claim any underlying data, raw data and simple statistical information they get from customers oil analysis is intellilectual property, proprietary and confidential business records. Makes you wonder. They will not provide any raw or underlying data on their Wear Limits. Other labs do. I found that my engine type there is a big discrepancy between labs with similar number of samples..
2. They only use manufacturer and model, no other identifying info for their profile. Model is often substituted for displacement. Example: Ford 5.8L. That is it. In my case I tried to use GM Ecotec 2.4L, Nope, not enough samples. The GM Ecotec has been used in many vehicles for over 20 years. I asked if they could combine the 2.0, 2.2, and 2.4. Could not do that. I had to change to a GMC 2.4L profile so that there is enough samples to create a profile.
3. They do not track the year of manufacture for the wear limit profile. They group all engines together regardless of when they were manufactured. This does not take into account changes in design, i.e. aluminum heads, blocks, technology improvements, application of the engine.
4. They do not track average fluid time or component time for their wear limit profile . When I asked them if they saw elevated iron levels (50% of their wear limit) or even 75%, when the oil had only made it 25% of the normal OCI, they would not flag it. They said the fluid time and component time is irrelevant. They said the fluid time (engine operation) had no bearing on the amount of wear contaminants, and it was never linear with respect to time.
5. Lastly, they admitted they spend on average 60 seconds, analyzing the results and use pre-defined statements and comments in their report. They have 10 people supporting 3000 - 4000 analysis per day.
6. Although you provide comments and information on the sample forms, They do not include it in the report and often times they do not take into account. Getting information corrected is a laborious endeavor.
The above information came from multiple analyst and supervisory staff. Needless to say I am not impressed with their report analysis and customer service. Going through Amsoil/Oil Analyzers is just another layer of customer service.
Before selecting a lab, do your homework. I thought I did, but I was wrong.
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