Copper in oil analysis

[BILGAL]

Just had an oil analysis done... . everything is normal except the copper wear... was 354ppm. At 15K it was 4ppm. The sheet says its Leachate from gaskets/sealant or coolers. Just wondering if this number is normal.

 

[C Schomer]

My copper has varied 2-3. 6 ppm. The oil cooler is copper! Craig

 

[HC]

I'd say, "no, not normal". My copper has been running 3 ppm on two previous oil samples with over 10k on oil; was only 1 ppm with 5k on oil after adding a bypass filter.



I'd review what work you've recently done or had done; any gasket sealants involved? Any chance for contamination of the sample by the way you took it (copper drain plug washer, for example)? Any recent work that involved twisting on copper connections that see oil, like installing a cooler or new line? Also call the lab and discuss with them in more detail. They will provide additional customer service by answering questions on your abnormal results.



Check back and let us know what you find out.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Bilgal, if you have recently installed one of Geno's drain plugs or fumoto valve, that would be the culprit. After I installed the brass quick drain plug my next oil analysis reading showed high copper, about the same number as yours. The next anaysis after that the copper was much closer to normal. I wouldn't worry about it, if you were having bearing problems your tin or lead readings would be very high too.



Vaughn

 

[Ted Constantine]

Bilgal,



I would love to know what you find out. My last to tests had high copper. at 25k I changed the oil and tested with 407 for copper. With the new oil in for 7500 miles I am at 115 ppm for copper and they are saying that it is a good sign that the levels are coming down but I am wondering if that is the case as the oil was changed.



Thanks

Ted



BTW AMSOIL series 3000 5-30

 

[Sled Puller]

I have heard these engines will leach copper from the oil cooler all of a sudden, and then stop just as fast.

Gene

 

[Steve G]

My last analysis showed 1ppm of Copper with 5k on oil and 45k on truck.



Steve

 

[jhawkins]

I have the same problem! I just got my third oil sample report back and the only significant change was the copper level. I think they are right about the oil cooler being the source. I had to make run to Florida in December from NJ and we did the return non-stop. So the oil sample was taken right after the truck was run about 17 hours. I have the dual bypass system from AMSOIL but it did not seem to matter. I guess the copper particle size is small enough to get through the filters.