Slick Talk: Powered By Blackstone Laboratories - Blackstone Laboratories

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Slick Talk - Episode 8: "Nip it in the Bud!" Mar 30, 2020

Show notes

It's rare for an engine to fail suddenly - we find it's a lot more common for a problem to crop up slowly, then it goes from a small problem to a big one. Enter the value of used oil analysis. We're checking microscopic levels, so you can catch a problem early, and that was just what happened for a recent customer and their 2013 BMW M3. Listen along with our host Joe as he details just what sort of problem was brewing in this M3, and how we caught it.

Slick Talk - Episode 7: The Life and Times of a WRX Mar 16, 2020

Show notes

For those not familiar with used oil analysis, there can be some skepticism about what a 3.5 oz. sample of engine oil can really tell folks about their engine and the shape its in. The truth is: you can learn a lot about the engine such as how it's wearing, if the oil is holding up well, and if there is any harmful contamination. One of our customers happened to send along a narrative detailing her Subaru's UOA (used oil analysis) history and how the data matched up perfectly with the engine issues she was having. Join our host, Joe, as he digs into the car's sample history and how the car's engine oil was in fact telling the tale.

Slick Talk - Episode 6: Up in the Air with Amanda! Mar 02, 2020

Show notes

We test aircraft samples and not just a few: they're a huge part of our day-to-day. And for some analysts on staff, interest in aircraft doesn't stop with oil analysis. Amanda, senior analyst and budding pilot, joined the show to talk about her flying experience so far, as well as a couple of FAQs in aircraft analysis: 1. Why does cylinder type matter? 2. What does it mean if my engine has been inactive?

Slick Talk - Epiosde 5: Getting Our Hands Dirty Feb 17, 2020

Show notes

Motorcycle maintenance and restoration is a passion for Luke, one of our writers and lab operators. On this episode, Luke sat down with Joe, writer and host of Slick Talk, and gave us the skinny on what motorcycle projects he's tackled previously, as well as a couple of customer questions: Do synthetic oils cause clutch slippage? How much mileage on a sample do I need to find a wear/coolant issue? This is only our first foray into the world of motorcycles, so if you've got other topics/questions/concerns that you'd like to hear more about, just send them our way!

Slick Talk - Episode 4: The Antifreeze Issue Feb 03, 2020

Show notes

A huge benefit of oil analysis is that you can catch problems early, before the situation is dire and you might end up losing a motor. Coolant contamination is one of those problems we look for. Join our host Joe and co-producer Kyle as they walk you through why coolant is an issue, how we find evidence of it, and what role oil analysis can play in monitoring a coolant leak. If you like what you hear, don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe!

Slick Talk - Episode 3: Extended Oil Use and Me Jan 20, 2020

Show notes

"How long should I be going between oil changes?" That's a burning question for many of our customers, and oil analysis is essential in finding the ideal oil change interval for your car and the use it sees. Join our host, Joe, as he gives the analyst's perspective on testing and how we use the results to determine just how long your engine likes to have an oil in use.

Slick Talk - Episode 2: M3s, M5s, and Bearings Jan 06, 2020

Show notes

Bearing wear tends to be a common concern for many M3 and M5 owners we know, and oil analysis is an essential tool for monitoring bearing wear without having to take an engine apart (and of course, for catching poor bearing wear before it turns into a serious problem or failure). But what many customers don't know is just what goes into our evaluation of bearing wear and whether or not it looks concerning for M-owners. Even if you're not a BMW owner or enthusiast, don't worry, this episode still packs plenty of worthwhile info when it comes to bearing wear and how poor wear or a problem shows up in testing. Join senior analysts Joe and Chris as they talk through the analyst's process in gauging bearing wear and how testing can be so essential in catching a problem early.

1: Introductions Dec 25, 2019

Show notes

In the first episode titled "Introductions", we meet our host, Joe Adams. He gives us the lowdown on Slick Talk, a podcast that offers a bi-weekly dive into the frequently asked questions, comments, and concerns brewing in the oil analysis world. For episode one, customer questions include "Which oil is best for my Jeep 4.0L?" and "What additives should I be using?"

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