Oil Analysis

[SoTxPollock]

Am I understanding you correctly? Your cu went from 13 to 248 and lead from 7 to 20 and Your analysis guy isn't concerned? I have difficulty in believing its bearing material if your using Amzoil. Might be from cooler, but why?
I just checked my last numbers and cu was 5 and lead was 8. If you're starting to deteriorate the bearings you should start seeing a drop in oil pressure. Just changing filters a couple of times won't be the answer, unless some particle broke off inside the engine and did just a little damage and is now down at the bottom of the pan. Man I just don't know. I'm sure your going to watch everything closely now. Keep us informed.

[jsmiracle]

JK,

I have recently installed a new, open, turbo-back, 4" . 409 SS exhaust.

I have also towed the TT several hundred miles.

Also, this sample was taken at the end of a semiannual oil change (approx. 6.4k miles). A sample was also previously taken at the 3-month mark(mid-term) and the levels were as follows:

3-month sample taken 7/8/06
Copper 13
Lead 7
Silicon 10

6-month sample taken 9/30/06
Copper 248
Lead 20
Silicon 12

The oil is Amsoil's Syn. 15W-40.

I realize this is only a partial picture.

The Analysis Recommendations on the associated UOA report was "COPPER LEVEL IS HIGH - POSSIBLY FROM LUBE OIL COOLER. NO CORRECTIVE ACTION REQUIRED. OIL IS SUITABLE FOR CONTINUED USE. RESAMPLE AT NEXT REGULAR INTERVAL."

I changed the oil to Rotella T 5W-40 for winter.

Should I be concerned? or wait until the next regular sample analysis report?

Thanks,
Jim M.

[Kennedy]

How many oil changes so far?

[jsmiracle]

How many oil changes so far?

The following occurred at the following miles:
360 (change oil/filter)
2,348 (change oil/filter)
4,449 (change oil/filter)
7,003 (change oil/filter)
9,233 (analysis only)
12,274 (change oil/filter)
16,294 (analysis only)
20,007 (change oil/filter & analysis)

So, it has had 6 engine oil and filter changes.

Jim M.

[Kennedy]

Hmmm, I guess all a guy can do is watch and see. Any particular "event" during the last interval that you can recall?

[jsmiracle]

Hmmm, I guess all a guy can do is watch and see. Any particular "event" during the last interval that you can recall?

No. It seems to be running perfect. Other than the UOA report, I have no indications that something may be wrong. I guess I'll chalk this set of results to sample contamination or testing/analysis error and wait for the next UOA report.

I have the remainder of the used oil (that the suspect sample was taken from). Do you think it is worthwhile to send in another sample before the next regular analysis? It was in a drain container and then was poured through a funnel into an empty Amsoil oil container (sample contamination?).

Thanks for ALL the help,

Jim M.

[Kennedy]

I would just pull another crankcase sample at the regular time.

[jsmiracle]

Thanks to everyone who shared. I intend to sample at the next interval and report, if abnormal.

Take care,
Jim M.

[DmaxMaverick]

When you sample, consider 2, and send them in different directions. If you still have some oil you sampled with the "alarming" results, it may be a good idea to have it tested at a different lab. Hopefully you find it was just a fluke. Those results would cause me some concern.

[WILLYD-MAX]

I have heard of that issue with the amsoil oil and I think it was coming from the oil cooler lines. I talked to Greg Landuyt and he said at around 60k his analisis showed his copper levels finally stabilized. I don't think it is anything to worry about.

[jsmiracle]

Yes, I do happen to have additional of the "alarming" sample. Sounds like a good idea to send it to another analyzer for a comparison. Does anyone have a recommendation? I have been using "Oil Analyzers, Inc." with Amsoil. Thanks again for the help...

Thanks,
Jim.

[DmaxMaverick]

I suggest the additional test, along with requesting Amsoil to retest. The results are too far off the trend to assume they are accurate, and not be concerned there is a problem. Your sample may have become contaminated somewhere along the line, either your end or theirs. It's easy to do.

Try www.avlube.com for another testing source.

[killerbee]

I recently received a UOA Report that indicates that a spike in Copper (Cu) levels and a significant rise in lead (Pb) levels. I have searched TDP forums and it seems to show that the rise in levels could be due to bearing or gasket material as well as lube oil cooler materials.

I also called Oil Analyzers, Inc. and they seemed to not be alarmed. Should I be? The analyst on the phone said that a couple of filter changes ought to bring the levels back to normal. Anyone have any prior experience with this? Thanks.

Copper 13 -> 248
Lead 7 -> 20

Thanks again,
Jim M.

If you are towing with the configuration in your signature, you may find your oil is getting over 350 F in the warm weather. An oil temp gauge will help understand this. I would guess it is your oil cooler.

[jsmiracle]

If you are towing with the configuration in your signature, you may find your oil is getting over 350 F in the warm weather. An oil temp gauge will help understand this. I would guess it is your oil cooler.

I am towing in the configuration in my signature....


Thanks for the help....

I ordered an oil test kit from AV Lube. I will send a sample in to them of the remaining oil in question. I will post the results in a couple of weeks.

Does anyone see this as typical of an oil cooler in this situation?

Thanks again,

Jim M.

[DmaxMaverick]

While a possible explanation, I wouldn't call it typical by any means.

Wait for your AVLube results. Maybe we can get him on here to analyze your current and previous results. He's a member here.

[jsmiracle]

I have a Fumoto drain valve on my truck. The last time I sampled and changed oil the oil was at operating temp. Normally, it is allowed to cool for 1/2 - 1 hr. Is it possible/likely/unlikely to have introduced Cu into the sample? Just wondering......

Jim M.

[BozDMAX]

I take my samples right off the OilGuard return line as the engine is running. The return line dumps right into the oil filler tube, so I can be finished taking a sample in about two minutes from the time I pop the hood. With the oil piping hot and flowing, you should be seeing exactly what your engine is experiencing.

I have wondered if a sample off the bottom of the oil pan would test differently.

My last test, with 115K on the engine and 17K on the oil had Cu at 10 and Pb at 5.

I sent another sample the other day at 120K because I think I have an injector (or 2?) going.

[Kennedy]

I always collect my sample from the crankcase (worst case scenario rather than fully filtered) as soon as possible after shutdown on a hot engine. I fill the bottle, dump it, refill, dump again, and keep the third fill. This rinses the bottle.

High cu is fairly common when new, but typically drops after a few oil changes.

[2002GMC Durabeast]

The copper is from the oil cooler and if you have no or negligible tin then you have no bearing wear. Lead plus tin = wear. Don't panic. Keep doing the oil analysis at regular intervals

[jsmiracle]

The copper is from the oil cooler and if you have no or negligible tin then you have no bearing wear. Lead plus tin = wear. Don't panic. Keep doing the oil analysis at regular intervals

Thanks. Tin content is 0. I will sample again in January and post the results.

Thanks again,
Jim M.