As an NRVIA Associate Member and the NRVIA Preferred Vendor for Fluid Analysis, JG Lubricant Services is our go to vendor for the analysis of your RV fluid samples. They are the leaders in the oil and coolant analysis industry today.

JG Lubricants advocates the "S.M.A.R.T." approach to fluid analysis as seen in the photo. They developed the "Blood Tests for your RV" concept.

Additional detailed information is from an interview with one of the founders of JG Lubricants Services, Tom Johnson:

 

Benefits Of Fluid Analysis

Engine oil is a common lubricant, of course. Axles, fan drive gear cases, and other components also require lubricants in the form of gear lube. A scientific lubricant analysis can reveal much about an engine or component, as well as the condition of the oil itself.

Fuel dilution of a lubricant may indicate incomplete combustion or a faulty fuel system. Water content, soot, and system debris also can be tested. Other tests check for oxidation, the presence of acids, as well as the lubricant's ability to hold its original viscosity. Many tests can reveal the beginning of a larger issue, such as excessive wear on the crankshaft bearings or other engine parts.

Tests also may reveal something about the operation of the engine. Excessive water content may indicate that the engine never warms up, allowing crankcase condensation to form. As the engine or component begins to wear from use, various materials are shed and held in the lubricant. An oil analysis can point to a potentially expensive problem while it's still in the early stages. Think of such analysis as health care for your RV.

In addition to monitoring an engine's health, lubricant analysis also reveals important data about the lubricant itself. All lubricants have a definite life cycle. The owners manual spells out recommended service schedules based on average usage, but that may not match your needs. The recommended service schedule should never be exceeded while a vehicle is under the manufacturer's warranty, but once the warranty ends, service schedules perhaps can be extended based on accurate data from laboratory-tested samples. In some cases, it might be necessary to shorten a service interval or to change to a better lubricant, possibly a synthetic. Either way, a lubricant analysis can provide information about the RV engine, transmission, generator, cooling systems (of both the main engine and generator), and hydraulic systems.

Lab tests also can be performed on engine and generator coolants, which may help avoid engine downtime, expensive repairs, or failures. A basic hydrometer measures the freeze point of antifreeze, but it won't reveal the boiling point, the particles present in the coolant, or its pH. Coolant analysis provides information about corrosion metals, nonmagnetic precipitates, nitrite, glycol, total hardness, and a host of other properties. The analysis can determine whether the coolant can continue to perform its job, whether foreign particles are entering the system, and whether the cooling system is gradually eroding as a result of inadequate protection. Cooling system test kits also can be used to measure the performance of boiler antifreeze in hydronic heating systems, such as Aqua-Hot or Oasis.

The labs at JG Lubricant Services are certified by the International Organization for Standardization under the ISO 17025 standard, which means that quality control and accuracy are equal to that of a medical laboratory.²

1 From: https://www.jglubricantservices.com/rv.html

² From: https://familyrvingmag.com/2017/04/01/fluid-analysis/

 

At Expert RV Inspections & Service, we can provide up to five different fluid analyses on your motorhome, depending on your request and needs. These will be selected prior to the inspection by the buyer.

 

So Do These Fluid Analyses Cost Extra, or are they included in the Inspection Fee?

The RV inspection fee only includes the actual inspection services performed on the RV. All fluid analyses are additional costs, not mandatory, but are highly recommended. No additional charges are included for labor - only the charges for the actual fluid analysis reports are added to the overall inspection fee.

The fluid samples are collected, packaged and shipped to the closest JG Lubricants laboratory facility. Most reports are returned within 48 hours or so - it is important to note the fluid analysis reports will NOT be ready for review when the inspection report is discussed with you. Please make arrangements with the seller of the RV that your final decision may need to wait a few days after the inspection is concluded.

Please feel free to ask about all fluid analysis concerns when you speak with us about your RV.

 

Do I Have to Get Fluid Analysis Testing Done?

We do not force anyone to get fluids analysis on any RV - it is not a condition of the inspection being done. However, particularly for a motorized RV, if you do not get fluids analysis, we very strongly recommend that you have a professional certified RV diesel engine mechanic inspect the RV drivetrain before your purchase decision is final.

Please be aware that your average auto/truck mechanic has never even seen, much less worked on, an RV engine or transmission. These frequently fall into the type of drivetrain seen in large semi-tractor trailer engines, and require the knowledge of the use of special tools, parts and even facilities as some of these RV's exceed 40 feet in length and cannot fit in a typical repair bay. Some can only be serviced at the manufacturer sites. So, while your auto mechanic may be an experienced professional, they may not be able to help you determine if your RV drivetrain is in good condition or not.