Oil Analysis

[stillracing]

I sent my 15,000 mi. oil analysis in and found water and copper at abnormal levels. What should I do next to track down the problem.

Thanks

[TraceF]

Copper is usually bearings, valve guides, or bushings although I am not sure what composition these items are in the DMax engine. Sometimes copper is elevated during break in but should fall off after the first or second oil change. It's also found in some additives.

How many oil changes have you done and at what mileages? Did you do analysis then? Any elevated copper?

What was the water level? This is bad no matter. What did the lab recommend? Anything besides change fluid?

Obviously you got that oil out and replaced with clean asap?

You may try calling the dealer and asking if they will review the analysis with you. If the lab is credible it would seem like they would rather look now rather than when the truck comes in on a roll back.

Good luck.

[ 02-24-2003: Message edited by: TraceF ]</p>

[Kennedy]

Copper is typically somewhat high. What were the actual numbers?

Suggest having AV lube do your analysis so you can have George do the review...

[mackin]

Not to sure if I would discuss extended drain intervals with my dealer....Bingo, they will point the finger.......I would do another at Recommended drain interval then discuss with dealer IF still high.....Water or antifreeze?? Water could be result of container you used,or condinsation....Was container clean and dry?? Also did you do a drain off of at least a quart or better before sample taken in an alternate container??

Just some ideas,good luck.....

Question for you oil specialist guys....When should sample be drawn, HOT? Or Cold prior to starting? Does it matter??

Never seen this brought up....

MAC

[TraceF]

Good point about the drain interval Mac.

Drawn or mid-stream, samples should be at op temp. Mid- stream samples can get contaminated easier though, for obvious reasons.

Some analyticals I've seen in the past don't distinguish between water and glycol, or better stated, don't identify glycol specifically but the water shows and because it's the carrier OF the glycol the cooling system becomes suspect.

This may have changed in recent years as analytical methods have improved and become more economical. I am a little out of the mainstream on this, I have been working on the environmental side of the lube industry for the past 7 years but our lab methods have improved dramatically in this time frame and we are looking for similar elements in some cases.

[LanduytG]

Samples should always be taken hot. Plus let some oil drain out before catching it. Depending on what lab you use it will give water and glycol content. I have switched over to AV lube for oil analysis, I like the format and George is a great help.

Greg