Slick Talk: Powered By Blackstone Laboratories
Blackstone Laboratories
Every oil has a story, especially oil that comes from engines, transmissions, and industrial machinery. Blackstone Laboratories tests it all, and in Slick Talk, Blackstone Joe brings you an exclusive look behind the curtain of the oil analysis industry.
Episodes
179: The Mechanic and the Analyst with Samir Kharbas
Blackstone Joe sits down with senior analyst Samir Kharbas. Previously a professional mechanic, Samir shares how joining the Blackstone team has shaped his approach to maintenance.Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsGuest: Samir KharbasProducer: Arryn Dennard
178: At First Glance with Suzi Hermann
Looks can be very deceiving when it comes to oil, as we analysts learn day after day. Blackstone Joe sits down with fellow senior analyst Suzi Hermann to discuss some of the most common examples. When does dirty oil equal a problem? How concerning is a fuel smell? The answer lies in the data.Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsGuest: Suzi HermannProducer: Arryn Dennard
177: Artificial Analysis with Samir Kharbas
More people are turning to AI for answers, even when it comes to oil analysis. But how good are those answers? What does a machine know about oil analysis? Blackstone Joe sits down with one of our most senior analysts to find out.Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsGuest: Samir KharbasProducer: Arryn Dennard
176: The Way Back
Sequel to episode 172: "Trust the Process". Getting an engine back to its old self after a problem is a lot like recovering from a runner's injury: it's easier when you keep your care team informed. Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
175: New Oil or Nah?
A customer sent in a sample, asking us to prove whether it was new oil, or if the shop was slacking. The answer isn't a simple one.Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
174: No Stone Unturned
You don't like hearing about trouble, and we don't like reporting it. But the data calls, and we'l answer.Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
173: CVT Suspicions
The more info you give us, the better our analysis can be. That's never more true than when dealing with delicate machines like transmissions.Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
172: Trust the Process
It doesn't matter if it's a coolant leak or tendonitis. You gotta trust the process.Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
171: A Tailored Suit
Unit/location averages are one of our most useful tools, though they can be a little difficult to wrap your head around at first. A customer emailed in for some clarification, and Blackstone Joe provides. On a related note: Rhea Seehorn, please come on our show!Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
170: Additives, Then and Now
How are oil additives changing over the years? Blackstone Joe takes a look at Mobil 1 specifically, and how we answered a customer's question about how their additives levels varied in different samples of the same blend. Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
169: Prius Problem?
A Slick Talk listener wanted to know about the Gen 3 Prius, noting concern about EGR issues that lead to a head gasket replacement being necessary, and if our samples could indicate if something needed to be done. If there's a problem with the head gasket, coolant contamination is a telltale sign in our testing. Blackstone Joe went to the data to see how many instances of coolant there are in the 2ZR-FXE samples we've tested, and the data might surprise you!Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
168: Filtration Forensics
If you haven't checked your air filter in a while, this is your reminder to do so.Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
167: Blackstone Social
This week, we're highlighting some of our new ventures, including our first foray into the reaction video genre. We also want to introduce some of the excellent content creators we've been honored to pair with lately. Double Clutch Auto Reviews: "How-To: Get a Used Oil Sample On Your Car: w/ Blackstone Laboratories"Eleven After Nine: "Bore Scoring is Overblown: Blackstone Labs Porsche Data Revealed"Rennthusiast Radio: "Bore Scoring: The Risk Isn’t What You Think | Blackstone Senior Oil Analyst"Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
166: Hot for Answers
Typical turnaround for a report is a few weeks after you've shipped the sample to us, depending on factors like distance and weather. But sometimes you need answers ASAP, and that's where our "hot run" comes in. Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
165: Evan's Waterless, a Saga of Mixed Proportions
This week on Slick Talk: no water, no problem. We say our testing is great at detecting coolant, but how true is that? Time for a science experiment.Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
164: Oil the World's a Stage
How is theatre like oil analysis? This was a burning question that could only be answered by a couple of Fort Wayne's premiere talents: Blackstone Joe and fellow senior analyst Augustia Robinson. Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsGuest: Augustia RobinsonProducer: Arryn Dennard
163: Youtube & You
This one's a three-course meal. Starting with a light Q&A aperitif, we move on to the main course of addressing some AI shenanigans, then move on to a delicious dessert consisting of one customer's truly exceptional tutorial. Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
162: Instagram Inquiries
Everyone is on social media these days, and that includes us. When email is too formal and phone calls are too unwieldy, know you can always send us a message on Facebook or Instagram. Today's episode is thanks to one such message. Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
161: Calendar Change
"Change the oil every 5,000 miles or 6 months," is the conventional wisdom, but how well does that hold up in this modern age? A sample came in recently from an engine that hadn't seen an oil change in a few years. What does all that time sitting in the sump do to the oil? As it turns out, not much.Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
160: Breaking, Not Break-In
The break-in process tends to result in high wear metals. So when a fresh engine has a problem, how can we tell? Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
159: Context Helps
Here's the skinny: a sample came in with a blank oil slip, and high wear metals .Maybe we're looking at an engine with a problem, or a transmission fresh from the factory. Blackstone Joe outlines the process for finding out those critical details. Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
158: Let's Talk Triage
Bad news: we found coolant in your engine, and parts are wearing heavily. What now?Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
157: High Alts and Low TBNs
The TBN is a popular test for automotive engine oil, and it's gaining traction in the aviation world, too. But is it a useful test for aircraft oil? Let's discuss.Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
156: Filtering Concerns
We talk often about whether you can keep a fill of oil in use longer. But what about an oil filter? And when is installing a bypass system a good idea? Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
155: Coolant Testing and Turkey Temps
There's a lot we can tell you about your coolant, and there's a lot we can't. Blackstone Joe demonstrates our limits, and sprinkles in a little culinary advice ahead of the coming holidays. Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
154: The Recipe
"Extended Oil Interval" isn't your typical Thanksgiving staple, but we've got a good recipe to share regardless. No actual food-based recipes included in this one; some people got a bit touchy about that last time.Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
153: Oil in a Day's Work Vol. 2
We get samples from a lot of different unit types. Trucks, boats, planes -- if it uses oil, chances are we've seen it at least once. In this episode, Blackstone Joe breaks down three reports from three different systems, detailing how we approach analysis for each one.Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
152: The Flush
Engine flushes! What do they do and how do they show up in oil analysis? Blackstone Joe has the answers. Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
151: Stump the Analyst
Some samples leave us with more questions than answers, such as: How does an air-cooled engine develop a coolant leak? Blackstone Joe invites you to send us your answers to that, and other questions raised by today's doozy of a report. Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
150: Running 70s Oil in a 20s Engine
What happens when you put tractor oil from 1975 into a modern lawnmower engine? That's just what analyst Chris Tulley was wondering -- so then he went and did it!Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn DennardGuest: Chris Tulley
149: Q&A with the Analyst
You had questions, and Blackstone Joe has answers. Topics include: can you sample even if you've added fresh oil over an oil interval? Is fuel dilution or oil consumption factored into the universal averages? What constitutes a "known problem" anyhow? Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
148: All About Averages
Universal averages! Unit/location averages! Those are included with every oil report, but what do they mean? Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
147: Too School for Cool(ant)
We're often asked by potential customers what good oil analysis can serve for someone who's just a regular person trying to take care of their normal old car. To that, we have an answer: early detection of a problem. In this episode, Blackstone Joe relates a case of oil analysis catching a Range Rover's coolant problem before it became an expensive nightmare.Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
146: Oil Contaminating Oil
A customer had a question for us: can we find evidence of automotive oil in their aviation engine's used oil? Fortunately, Blackstone Joe has the answer.Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
145: Fill in the Blank
Blackstone Labs aren't the only oil analyzers out there, and sometimes customers come to us with reports from other labs (which we will always accept and add to your file, for free)! In this episode, Joe goes through how we handle those reports, what we can do with the info, and what Blackstone offers that other labs don't.Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
144: The Blood Test
Having your blood tested is a lot like having your oil tested. How do we know? Because Blackstone Joe went and did it!Want to read about Ryan's cholesterol? Click here.Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
143: The Unspoken Question
We get asked a lot of questions, but just as often, we don't get asked anything at all. When we receive a sample with little to no information, how do we figure out what the customer might want to know? Blackstone Joe has the answers.Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
142: Retrospective - No Time to Change
Is it time to change your oil? We addressed that question back in episode 105: No Time To Change. Blackstone Joe revisits that episode, and examines how our perspective has shifted since then.Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducers: Joshua Straley and Arryn Dennard
141: Meet the Analyst with Augustia Robinson
Meet Augustia! Another of our new bright stars, Augustia shares how her love of writing and knack for science brought her into the Blackstone fold. She and Blackstone Joe discuss what it's like to be a new writer, how they find the creativity necessary to crank out report after report, and share a few tidbits of advice for any potential new analysts.Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn DennardGuest: Augustia Robinson
140: Coaching Up
Oil analysis is a complicated topic, and no one knows that better than a freshly hired Blackstone writer. Helping new analysts master the nuances of the various engines, industrial applications, fuels, and other samples we see on a daily basis is one of the most important responsibilities senior analysts have. Teaching new writers how to communicate that info is a whole other beast. This episode explores how we at Blackstone go about training the analysts that go on to provide you vital info with every sample.Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
139: Meet the Analyst with Chris Tulley
Meet Chris! One of our brightest up-and-coming junior analysts, Chris has also recently taken responsibility for the newsletters we send out quarterly. He joins Blackstone Joe in studio to talk about how his history as a journalist informs his report writing style, and how the writers around him inspire his current work. Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn DennardGuest: Chris Tulley
138: Moving from the TBN with Ryan Stark
You might have noticed a change to our gas/diesel engine oil info slips: we no longer include the question, "Would you like a TBN?" President Ryan Stark joins Blackstone Joe in studio to discuss where that change comes from.Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
137: Sneak Peek
What's more stressful than buying a used vehicle? Not much, especially when you don't have a lot of info about the vehicle (car, boat, plane, etc.) in question. Fortunately, oil analysis can shed some light.Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
136: Redline Rarity
What kind of vehicle, fresh off the assembly line, would see the sort of use that results in frequent redlining? The answer may surprise you!Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit.Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169.Host: Joe AdamsProducer: Arryn Dennard
135: Marriage Material
You might be, but your oil isn't! Every system could use an oil change once in a while, and here's why. Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit. Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169. Host: Joe Adams Producer: Arryn Dennard
134: What to Expect When You're Extending
What happens when you run longer between oil changes? What changes to the data do we anticipate, and what should stay the same? Blackstone Joe explores that this episode, and also responds to some interesting YouTube comments left for the previous pod. Correction: We mistakenly refer to this episode as number 135, and the previous one as 134. Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit. Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169. Host: Joe Adams Producer: Arryn Dennard
133: They Said, We Said
We take a lot of things into consideration when determining whether to recommend a longer oil interval or not. More than just the quality of the oil can influence our decision. As Blackstone Joe can attest this episode, metal content is among those deciding factors. Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit. Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169. Host: Joe Adams Producer: Arryn Dennard
132: Beyond the Report Page
Communication is the name of the game here at Blackstone Labs. Oil analysis is a complicated topic, and it's natural for customers to have questions or misunderstandings about what's expected in an oil report. In this instance, a question regarding a sample's viscosity becomes a valuable teaching moment. Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit. Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169. Host: Joe Adams Producer: Arryn Dennard
131: Aftermarket Additives and Analysis
There are plenty of products besides just oil that you can put in your engine. Motor Honey, Lucas Oil Stabilizer, Engine Restore, the list is as packed as the shelves at an auto care center. How they show up in analysis is just as varied. As Blackstone Joe can attest, some make a big splash in analysis, while others are a little more mysterious... Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit. Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169. Host: Joe Adams Producer: Arryn Dennard
130: When to Change?
Answer: It depends! (But here are some tips to help you find your way.) Ready to start your oil analysis journey? Get your free test kit. Have a question or shoutout? Leave a message for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169. Host: Joe Adams Producer: Arryn Dennard