Oil analysis testing, where to get?

Thanks Martyn,

What I'm doing is using non genuine filters and what to see how well they are doing the job. Don't want to get to the point where I've caused damage and there's no going back.

Will the data I get from an oil test help me with this??

So you work for BP?

ACDC, yes, and no I can't do anything about the price of fuel, no can't give you a reasonable reason that will satisfy your discomfort with the prices the way they are, I pay the same as you do.

Austravel,
I changed to a full Synthetic, not BP and I consistently get lower metals content in the oil, the cleanliness factor indicates dirtier so I assume the oil is cleaning muck out, hopefully one day the engine will reach a point of cleanliness that the factor levels off. I use the genuine filter and I change the oil religiously every 5000 k's. When the cleanliness factor gets better I might extend the change period. I have a 2000 3.0 ltr TD so I have to be careful, I don't want to melt anything. I've now got 145 k with no problem, I had the vehicle since 98 k.
I've been checking the Rangie gearbox as well since putting synthetic oil in and that's been better as well. So oil quality does reduce wear particles, how much different a poofteenth of zinc and bronze less in the sample is going to make I don't know, will I notice again not sure. gearbox change is better and seems to be quieter, my be just wishful thinking.
My experiences and opinions as usual.

Why not BP oil?
Maintenance is always cheaper than repairs!

ACDC,
Why not BP oil? The BP oil doesn't now meet the Nissan spec, well not the normal mineral oil spec anyway. Nissan now specify a semi synthetic oil for the 3.0 TD. I chose to go to a full synthetic which exceeds the Nissan spec. Exactly as you state "maintenance is cheaper than repairs"

Hi Martin WA.
I use full Synthetic in my 3ltd .2002 mod. Caltex Havoline 10-50..
Change every 10K. with Nissan filter. Nissan WON"T cover warranty on engine if using aftermarket ones. (That's courtesy of Nissan Head Office in Vict..)
Oil stays clean right through to the 10. Requires 3 or 4 changes from mineral to get there though. use in Manual Trans. Not diff's.
Caltex say can go to 20K but not me. 10K is sweet.
Costs roughly the same as changing Mineral oil at 5K. $160 a 20ltr drum. 1 filter x1 oil change compared to 2 of each the other way.
It's much better for car and environment.
Regards
Macka.

BP have told us Vanellus C6 global plus meets the new Nissan spec's.

ACDC,
You are correct, BP Vanellus C6 PLUS, the PLUS is the important bit, a lot of the local servos only sell the Vanellus C6 which doesn't meet the spec. Seeing Macka mentioned the brand I use Royal Purple 10w-40 full synthetic because I'm the WA agent, works for me.

There are plenty of good non genuine filters on the market after all toyota/nissan etc don't make there own filters.

Well accadacca,
I didn't say that that some good aftermarket ones weren't out there. Was just commenting on the all up cost with testing probably not being economical. If you were testing to go out to longer oil change intervals I could understand it but every 5 or 10K would be defeting the purpose.

How do you know a good aftermarket from a bad? Anwer the bad one will cost you $10K plus for an engime rebuild. If you have the genuine one on and that fails then the factory pays for the ancillary damage.

Good aftermarket filters are guaranteed by the maker Ryco/Wesfil etc if not don't buy them.

True, but not quite the case for the Nissan 4.2l. There is a large price range in filters from genuine to aftermarket. For example Nissan filters for the GU of this year takes 2 filters at $30 each per 5k service. The GU model only a few years ago used 2 filters at $9-10 each per 5k service. Aftermarket filters are around $22 or if you want to consider it- Z9 filters fit on and the filter size and volume of medium used is exactly the same as that used for the aftermarket replacement Nissan filter and cost $6-7. Plus the aftermarket units have backflow prevention and oil light goes out on start up in a couple of seconds, with geniune filters it can take 20-30 seconds.

So for the sake of an oil test you could save significant amounts on filters each year.

Hi Ken,

Thanks for the info and the offer. Since Hastings are close by I think I'll just go through them. Not sure if I'll make this a regular thing or a one off to see how the filters are going.

Thanks again.