Slick Talk: Powered By Blackstone Laboratories

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/Q8BWZKQWith 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/SFMD5H7If 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 loveBen 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 MoneyJoe 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