Abnormally High levels of Aluminum and Potassium in oil

[truckmen]

I've received my oil sample analysis from ALS Tribiology, a service I've been using for the entire life of my truck, with result that includes abnormally high levels of aluminum and potassium in my oil at 11 ppm during my previous oil sample to 25 ppm and 22 ppm to 51 ppm respectively.

At the time of the oil change (last year), I was at 194,000 miles and ~15,000 on the oil of Shell Rotella T5 15W-40.

Can anyone shed some light on what this aluminum and potassium could be from? There was nention of my air-to-air aftercooler causing it.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Your oil analyzer should be letting you know what may be causing that. I would suggest trying Blackstone.

 

[TCDiesel]

You should NOT be over worried on 1 Sample ... its establish trends that are of value.

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

Here is a link to Blackstone's site which has a list of the most common sources of the elements in gas and diesel engines. https://www.blackstone-labs.com/report-explanation.php . Click on the "Gas/Diesel Report" button. Hover your mouse over the element for a brief note on where it comes from. As TCDiesel mentions above, it's the established trends that are of value, not necessarily an individual report.

 

[TCDiesel]

After I re-read His Post it seem to me either truckmen last sample was taken 3 times or it was his history...at any rate he needs to post the history so we can see all the results

 

[Tuesdak]

Post the set of samples you are concerned about with your address blacked out of course. The potassium can be an anti wear additive or from antifreeze. Did the oil brand or type you are using change or maybe they re-formulated the oil with different additives? Pop the radiator cap off and look at the coolant level - don't just trust the level in the overflow.

In general one looks for trends. However, yes, you can panic over one single oil sample as this is half the point of doing samples. Antifreeze, Fuel, and high silicone are all reasons to panic and immediately fix it. High silicone indicating a dust leak in the intake or don't panic if there has been recent engine work with RTV used. Extreme of any metal is a reason to panic. I have had plenty of warning via a single oil sample showing extreme metals before the scuffed and cracked piston burned through 7,000 miles later: the labs usually reserve the red color for reports like that and may give you a call. I also have switched oil brands and the next sample indicated I wouldn't use Royal Purple oil in anything again... Switching brands or to or from synthetic will mess up your sample trends and in my case spike copper through the roof. Even though you may not switch brands a new additive formula can show unexpected results.

You can call your oil lab and ask them about the analysis.

Also take a sample again with at least 1000 miles on it. At this point I would be ruling out a coolant leak into the oil. So taking samples without changing the oil is fine until you rule out the problem or find and fix it. IMO 15,000 miles is a long time to go between samples aka a larger coolant leak will wipe your engine out before you reach 15,000 miles. I would check the oil you are using to see if they have an analysis of their current blend in regards to the potassium.

 

[Cummins12V98]

" Pop the radiator cap off and look at the coolant level - don't just trust the level in the overflow."

??????

 

[Tuesdak]

" Pop the radiator cap off and look at the coolant level - don't just trust the level in the overflow."

??????

Potassium the OP's concerned about may be from antifreeze getting in the oil. So one should open the radiator cap and see if the coolant level has gone down. Some only look at the overflow level that hasn't changed because the a seal on the cap is leaking, hose to it is leaking or missing... all while the radiator level has gone down. I stand corrected if this only has a surge tank with a pressure cap on it.

 

[Cummins12V98]

JDoremire, I am messing with you!!! 4th gen trucks do NOT have radiator caps.

 

[TConver]

pretty sure only place to get aluminum from is the pistons.

 

[Newsa]

JDoremire, I am messing with you!!! 4th gen trucks do NOT have radiator caps.

I was patiently waiting to see how to get the radiator cap off.

 

[Newsa]

I also have switched oil brands and the next sample indicated I wouldn't use Royal Purple oil in anything again... Switching brands or to or from synthetic will mess up your sample trends

I have heard and read soooo many good and bad things about Royal Purple, I would never use them. I think they must have really poor quality control to get so many good and bad reviews.

 

[truckmen]

No radiator cap on the '14s, true.

I'm awaiting the next sample.
Since I last was here on the forum, lost my water pump last Sunday at 212,000 miles; changed it out on the road in Evansdale, Iowa and switched out the serpentine belt at the same time.

 

[jacknife]

I've received my oil sample analysis from ALS Tribiology, a service I've been using for the entire life of my truck, with result that includes abnormally high levels of aluminum and potassium in my oil at 11 ppm during my previous oil sample to 25 ppm and 22 ppm to 51 ppm respectively.

At the time of the oil change (last year), I was at 194,000 miles and ~15,000 on the oil of Shell Rotella T5 15W-40.

Can anyone shed some light on what this aluminum and potassium could be from? There was nention of my air-to-air aftercooler causing it.

 

[jacknife]

As mentioned you have to watch trends. Coolant in oil is relatively easy to spot. Milky color of oil , you can also smell and taste it. Same for fuel in oil. Cooler problems usually oil in coolant. These are a few observations made from owning 6 class 8 trucks over 3 plus decades. Wish I still had some old analysis . It shows on the back of the form all the different metals and liquids and what the normal parameters are, and what parts the metal comes from.