96_12V

Just learned about these - it's a product that automatically samples your oil at either a pre-programed interval (such as 200 hrs) or that can be manually actuated. The sample then sits in the unit until the next service when it's removed in it's own small bottle. I wonder if there is an American distributor for these. Hope it's not against site regulations to post a link to this site (it's not for sale there - information only)

http://www.bardengineering.com.au/oilsamplers.php

infidel

I can see the advantage in an industrial setting but not in a personal vehicle. Bet it's not cheap.

This is way I do it. Plans may have to change if you are using the filter port for a bypass filter.

All from the hardware store. Buy an 1/8" NPT X 1/4" compression valve
(these are common for ice makers and swamp coolers), a 1/8"X3" nipple and
3' of 1/4"plastic tubing. With the engine off but warmed up connect this setup to the plugged 1/8" port on top of your oil filter housing, hand tight no Teflon tape. Start the engine, open the valve and run oil though the tubing into your oil fill spout to flush it
out for awhile. You can now take a sample with great control with the
sample being the only loss of oil. Shut down the engine, open the 1/8
valve to let oil in the tubing drain back then remove it and replace the
plug. If you like leave the valve in place and just remove the tubing.

Oil taken from the drain plug for a sample should be midway though the
drain if you want any degree of accuracy. Sort of defeats the purpose of
extended drains if you have to drain half your oil.