Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Bad engine oil test

[snake]

I did an oil analysis test on my 95 Dodge diesel. The silicon reading came back a 44. I think I know where that came from. When I did the KDP job, that came from the gasket sealer. What bothers me is the copper is very high.

The first time I did the test it showed a number 2 (Mileage 121804)

The second time I did the test it showed a number 8 (Mileage 137397)

The third time I did the test it showed a number high 223 (Mileage 155481)

The lead tested at a 6, Iron tested at a 27. I checked with some other people and they said it may be the lude oil cooler. I think I'll change both filters the factory one and the bypass one to be on the safe side. Will retest it at 5,000 miles. Do you have any suggestions? If you would like to see the test sheet I can e-mail it to you.

I don't want to give the oil brand because I don't want the start and OIL WAR.

Thank, David

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I seriously doubt the oil brand has anything to do with it - but AM surprised that the readings look like that WITH a bypass filter installed...

 

[illflem]

Always thought silicon (dirt) and silicone (gasket sealer) were two entirely different things measured by entirely different tests. I'd be looking at my air filter.



High copper usually comes from Bushings, Bearings, Thrust-Washers, Friction Plates, Oil Coolers, Additives in oil and often times a poor sampling technique. If a brass valve is used to draw the sample it should be flushed well before taking the sample as brass contains copper and can skew the results.

 

[jrobinson2]

I recently found these pages about Silicone/silicon contamination.

http://www.oilanalysis.com/learning...eid=377&relatedbookgroup=ContaminationControl

http://theoildrop.server101.com/silicon.htm

Jared

 

[JJW_ND]

Probably nothing to worry about

David... . Several of us have seen Cu spikes. Mine occurred at around 210K miles. It reading cam and went. Keep in mind if you change your oil to really let it drain (overnight???) to get a good cleaning of what ever might have been in there. I have seen carry over if I change to quick, only to see that wear metal drop with miles (12K or 18K samples).



jjw

 

[Sled Puller]

Originally posted by illflem

Always thought silicon (dirt) and silicone (gasket sealer) were two entirely different things measured by entirely different tests. I'd be looking at my air filter.



.

In automotive applications, this is generally the case. silicon in small amounts, is used as an antifoam agent in some motor oil formulations.

It can also be present as leacheate from sealant material, like RTV, etc. It also manifests itself as elemental silicon, siliconoxide or dirt, and dust, which can get in via the air intake and cause abnormal destructive wear.

 

[Andy Redmond]

Over oiling a K&N or other "wet" airfilters will cause this to spike as well.



The contents on the back of the K&N aersol oil were the high numbers (silicates). It has gone back to normal ranges, since I removed the K&N.



It is also possible that it wasn't trapping the particulates of "dirty" air.



I'm not fond of the K&N, by that's my opinion, not starting a K&N war here.



Remember, each person has the right to the air filter of their choice!





Finally, some coolants (antifreeze) contain silicates, but very much coolant in the oil visually manifests itself quickly.



Good luck

 

[snake]

Originally posted by illflem

Always thought silicon (dirt) and silicone (gasket sealer) were two entirely different things measured by entirely different tests. I'd be looking at my air filter.



High copper usually comes from Bushings, Bearings, Thrust-Washers, Friction Plates, Oil Coolers, Additives in oil and often times a poor sampling technique. If a brass valve is used to draw the sample it should be flushed well before taking the sample as brass contains copper and can skew the results.

=========



on the airfilter I using a baldwin 10'' paper filter any suggestions?

 

[Jacobs]

I encountered a similiar reading on my '95 last summer. The lab suggested I check my intake air system. I found a plug that I could clamp to the hose I removed from the discharge side of my turbo. When I applied a regulated 10psi of shop air to the connector on the plug, I could hear air leaking from the connection where the air leaves my cooler and goes to the engine. Made sure all hoses were in place and that all the clamps were tight. The next test showed no more problems.



I did not notice any performance problems or a decrease in fuel mileage.



It is hard to believe that dirt can get in on the pressure side of the intake system(between the turbo and engine) but it evidently can.



Good luck.



Bruce

 

[A Johnson]

"It is hard to believe that dirt can get in on the pressure side of the intake system(between the turbo and engine) but it evidently can. "



Yes it can , that slight momemt between pushing on the throttle and turbo spool up, the intake system can go into a slight vaccum, causing dirt entry into the system. I assume the more the AFC is adjusted for better performance, the greater the duration of the vaccum. This is why a pressure test of the CAC is adviseable ( in my opinion)as regular maintanence, as well as oil anaysis.



A Johnson