Slick Talk: Powered By Blackstone Laboratories – Details, episodes & analysis

We test a lot of petroleum products, so we're used to dealing with gunk. You might call us experts in grime. Whether it's fuel, metal, dirt, or something worse, figuring out what's contaminating your sample - and what that means for the unit it came from - is a critical part of the Blackstone 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 Adams

Producer: Arryn Dennard

What goes into obtaining the data we analyze? No one knows the answer to that better than Justin, the Head of Lab Operations. He joins Blackstone Joe in studio to discuss how samples are tested, including some notable insights regarding diesel fuel.

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

Guest: Justin Mellinger

Producer: Arryn Dennard

Blackstone Joe sits down with fellow analyst Brett Jenkins to talk about what unit IDs are, and to share some of their favorites.

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

Guest: Brett Jenkins

Producer: Arryn Dennard

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

Using the wrong fluid in a Nissan CVT transmission can be a serious detriment, causing anything from rough operation to a complete failure. Used oil analysis is an invaluable tool to know with complete confidence that the correct fluid is in use. In this episode, our host Blackstone Joe gives a rundown of Nissan NS-2 and NS-3 fluids, approved oils for Nissan CVTs and how we can determine if the right or wrong fluid is in use. Episode Guide: Catch Pan Q&A - 2:00 Nissan CVTs - 3:35