CAT versus Blackstone for fluid sampling

BGIII

BGIII

Member
Mar 4, 2008
35
West Michigan
Boat Info
1999 400 Sundancer
Engines
3116 CATS
Is there any real difference between these 2 companies for fluid analysis? 2 of the past 3 years I have sent my samples to CAT and have not received all of my results. I am looking for an better alternative, if one exists.
 
I have had great luck with Blackstone. They make it very easy to send them samples and I like the personable feedback.
 
Heres hoping I get better results with six samples I just sent to Foley CAT in Bensalem Pa. They privide UPS prepaid shipping bags with tracking so keeping my fingers crossed!
 
BGIII said:
Is there any real difference between these 2 companies for fluid analysis? 2 of the past 3 years I have sent my samples to CAT and have not received all of my results. I am looking for an better alternative, if one exists.
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I went through the same thing, Last 2 years with Blackstone very happy.
 
Big fan of Blackstone having done both. However this year one of my samples was lost. Not sure if it was USPS or lost once they received.
 
I've never had a bad experience with Blackstone. I've only ever used a local CAT dealer and have dropped off the sample in person - no issues there, either. I've never mailed it to CAT.
 
Njlarry said:
Heres hoping I get better results with six samples I just sent to Foley CAT in Bensalem Pa. They privide UPS prepaid shipping bags with tracking so keeping my fingers crossed!
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used them....excellent service
 
Njlarry said:
Heres hoping I get better results with six samples I just sent to Foley CAT in Bensalem Pa. They privide UPS prepaid shipping bags with tracking so keeping my fingers crossed!
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Come to think of it, that may be who actually did the analysis - I dropped it off at a local location, but they said they send it to another location. I'm in Allentown, PA - so it was probably Foley.
 
I use CAT for my engines and Blackstone for my generator, transmission, and my outboards.

Here's an example of the type of communication that I got this morning from Blackstone:

"This is an amended report to correct sample details. It's only the second oil change for this generator,
so it's not abnormal to find a high silicon level. That's from assembly sealers and lubes needed to put the
engine together, and you can expect a decrease at the next oil change. Metals already match up well with
averages for the engine type, so oil-sharing parts are maturing well. The viscosity, though a bit low, isn't a
concern. Fuel dilution didn't thin the oil down, and the oil worked well based on the healthy wear levels. Nice
start to this generator's file."

The translation of numbers into context is really helpful for someone like me.
 
I use a high volume Caterpillar sealer in Nashville who operates a number of stores. Their lab is in Nashville and a couple of years ago I started missing some reports. I called and spoke to the lady who handles the samples and the reports. Their system is now computerized and they are emailing the sample results now because it is faster for the customer and quicker for them. If your Cat store does not have your email address on file then they are probably waiting on you to call for the reports.
 
I have Detroits and have always used Blackstone, never had an issue, just great service. I have never had a bad experience with a CAT dealer either.
 
fwebster said:
I use a high volume Caterpillar sealer in Nashville who operates a number of stores. Their lab is in Nashville and a couple of years ago I started missing some reports. I called and spoke to the lady who handles the samples and the reports. Their system is now computerized and they are emailing the sample results now because it is faster for the customer and quicker for them. If your Cat store does not have your email address on file then they are probably waiting on you to call for the reports.
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I have used CAT since I purchased and I have not had one missing report. Everything is sent to my email address, and I download to my NAS where everything is backed up in triplicate. Next owner should have a pretty good history.

CAT does highlight items as normal, need watching or bad...green yellow red.
 
Thanks guys, I appreciate all of the input. My local CAT guys have always been great, I just haven't had the greatest experience with the sample testing side of things and I feel like they are the single most important thing to have solid records of on the entire boat!
 
All's Well said:
Get blackstones sample pump and do yourself a favor ... way less mess
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I have 2 CAT sample pumps, one for oils and one for coolant. They work well also, no complaints there.

CAT had my missing results in their computer system this time, guess they decided to only mail the oil samples and not trans samples.
 
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