Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) First oil analysis - high Fe, Si?

[rspinks]

I just got my oil analysis back for the second oil change, it was done at 14,000km and the oil had about 7000km on it. I had warnings on Iron at 61ppm and Silicone at 43ppm. The lab writeup said "normal for new or rebuilt component, should decrease within a few oil changes".



I'm not too concerned because break-in is probably still happening, but I was wondering where does Si and Fe particles come from? I am guessing Si is from leftover casting sand in the block/head and Fe is from piston ring wear?



If anyone's interested I will post the complete results.



Thanks,



Rich

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

You have it pretty well figured out Rich - some claim silicon sealants will leach out some, also contributing to raised silicon levels - it stands to reason there will be elevated amounts of fine metal particles from the raw machining processes in a new or rebuilt engine that will make early oil analysis look pretty grim.



For that reason, I avoid early-on analysis, and also do a couple of early oil changes to get the contamination outta the engine as soon as possible - my first and second changes had 1000 miles each on them - will go about 4-5000 miles on the oil in the truck now, and currently have about 3500 miles on it. . Will also be installing a Frantz bypass filter at the same time...

 

[Car_nut57]

Those numbers don't look too bad to me. Remember most of your engine is iron so when the engine is new, rings are seating etc. expect a little high iron.

 

[rspinks]

Thanks guys, I wasn't too worried. I think I'll sample every oil change to get a good trend going. I love this oil analysis thing, what a great tool for knowing what's going on inside the engine.

 

[Bigsaint]

As was already stated, I wouldn't sweat those numbers, they will all go down. I've sent samples out since day one, the Iron, silicon, etc. were all high in the begining, slowly declining to acceptable levels with each oil change. I put a Frantz bypass filter at the last oil change, should see the results after about another month of driving when I pull a sample.



Scott W.