Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 1996 First Oil Analysis - Thoughts?

[Scotty B]

Ordered a Genos garage oil test kit. Set up an online account with Horizon eoilreports.com Took a sample last week. Posting my first oil analysis report on the 1996 with 124K miles I purchased last August. From what I can tell everything is OK. Silicon levels high (54) - source could be from sand or silicone from recent maintenance? Magnesium (low) and Calcium (high) indicating oil detergent breakdown. Anyone else have thoughts? @GAmes?

 

[gcorron]

On our big generators, high silicone meant we had replaced the air filters. That will give you silicone in the higher readings for awhile. There is a group of thought that says we shouldn't change them too often. In one case, the gens were beside a coal burning boiler house and we really didn't have all that much choice.

George

 

[AH64ID]

What kind of oil?

What’s the air filter setup? Usually silicone is high when the air filter isn’t doing it’s job, or there is a intake leak.

I’ve never seen a report from OAI testing that didn’t show TBN, which is a vital report if you’re going thru the expense of testing. It also doesn’t show oxidation/nitration like my tests do.

 

[Scotty B]

What kind of oil?

What’s the air filter setup? Usually silicone is high when the air filter isn’t doing it’s job, or there is a intake leak.

I’ve never seen a report from OAI testing that didn’t show TBN, which is a vitaler report if you’re going thru the expense of testing. It also doesn’t show oxidation/nitration like my tests do.

Oil: 15w40 Rotella
Air filter: Stock in a stock air box (rare for this age of truck)

This weekend I carefully inspected the air box and found it a little warped (probably from age and heat). I replaced the filter with a NAPA gold and very carefully sealed the box. I will retest in 5K miles.

@AH64ID which lab do you use?

 

[AH64ID]

I use the same lab, thou I haven’t tested my 18.

I did look and they now have a slightly cheaper kit without TBN. One of the issues I’ve always had with Blackstone is you have to pay extra for TBN, and now it seems OAI is doing the same.

How do the compressor blades on the turbo look?

 

[Cummins12V98]

What kind of oil?

What’s the air filter setup? Usually silicone is high when the air filter isn’t doing it’s job, or there is a intake leak.

I’ve never seen a report from OAI testing that didn’t show TBN, which is a vital report if you’re going thru the expense of testing. It also doesn’t show oxidation/nitration like my tests do.

Blackstone only shows TBN if you par for it.

 

[AH64ID]

Blackstone only shows TBN if you par for it.

Yep, makes for a pointless UOA in my opinion.

 

[Tuesdak]

How do the compressor blades on the turbo look?

More specifically: Look for dirt/dust caked in the turbo nut.

inspected the air box and found it a little warped

Did you see dust tracks on the air filter seal to the air box? Also any dust in the intake tract? Clean it if so and this will help you know if there is a dust leak again.

Did the engine have any recent work done like adjusting the valves and RTV used to glue the valve cover back on?

 

[Cummins12V98]

Yep, makes for a pointless UOA in my opinion.

Agreed. I always get it but some may want to save a buck.

 

[Scotty B]

Turbo and blades look good, shaft is tight. It is the stock unit. I purchased the truck this last August as a replacement from a previous 1997 that got totaled (not my fault). The truck had 124K miles on it total. Best looking low mileage 12 valve I have seen. Decent paint, interior perfect. But owner abused it with a #6 plate and no gauges. I knew it needed a transmission when I bought it.

I wanted the spectro analysis to see if there was any indication of excessive internal engine wear.

I have gone through it pretty thoroughly:
New heavy duty transmission
Gauges + touch screen blue tooth radio
Radiator removal, wash
#8 plate, 4K gov springs, Stage I injectors, 4" exhaust, new steed speedmanifold, new pac brake, new valve springs, fixed KDP, new belt, idler, serviced diffs, New heavy duty track bar upgrade, flush brakes, new tires, new LED lights.

Left to do: minor power steering pump leak.

 

[Walker111]

My Calcium on my last report from Blackstone was 2442 with a unit average of 2480.

 

[GAmes]

My Calcium on my last report from Blackstone was 2442 with a unit average of 2480.

Calcium varies by different oil makers additive packages. The formulas change constantly so perhaps Blackstone didn't know the latest mixture. I pretty much ignore the numbers in the additive columns. Contaminates and wear metals get my attention.

 

[Walker111]

Calcium varies by different oil makers additive packages. The formulas change constantly so perhaps Blackstone didn't know the latest mixture. I pretty much ignore the numbers in the additive columns. Contaminates and wear metals get my attention.

Good info, I was just giving him my numbers since calcium was one of his highlighted.

OP, Rotella T6 was my oil.