Motor oil analysis question

[RideSlow2004]

Results came back good, no fuel dilution, however, copper was measured at 93 ppm. , with a note that said that was high. Normal according to the chart is 25. Whaddya think? (This is all new to me)

 

[sabersix]

How many miles on the truck? How many miles on the oil at the time of sampling?

If you can, post a copy of the report.

 

[Garlic]

My first 2 on the 07. 5 were high in copper also. The third one was fine except for the fuel @ 3. 2.

 

[icman95]

I had high copper on my last one and the lab suggested that it was from the oil cooler. I didn't know I had one, but was told that it is in the oil filter flange and that this was mostly a harmless condition. Not sure either way, but so far all is well. TDR member amsoilman might be able to speak to this.

 

[RideSlow2004]

Truck had 10,500 miles, and was on second oil change. (I forgot to get a sample first change) I am planning on changing oil every 5000 until I get a good idea of what the truck needs. My 'oil change required' light usually comes on about 2500 after I change the oil.

 

[Coalsmoke]

Okay, for copper here's how I stacked up:
1st sample = 47ppm
2nd sample = 12ppm
3rd sample = 1ppm

 

[sabersix]

My samples copper levels:



Miles on truck (actual miles on oil)

3,520 mi (3,520 mi on oil) - 52ppm

6,351 mi (1,624 mi on oil) - 13ppm

9,323 mi (4,596 mi on oil) - 24ppm

14,243 mi (4,920 mi on oil) - 20ppm

18,811 mi (4,509 mi on oil) - 8ppm



Those are samples were taken at the time I got the "oil change required" message. I did not actually change the oil until the 5,000 mile mark, so the second reading is low due to less miles on the oil at the time of sampling.



Regardless, your sample reading is high for a second oil change. From what I've read, copper levels can vary widely due to multiple sources within the engine and cooling system, so '25' may be an average, but let's say the standard deviation of copper in a large group of samples is 67. This would mean that statistically you are within two standard deviations of normal and therefore should not be "sky is falling" concerned.



At this point, you should just monitor through continued regular sampling. I'd agree that 5000 miles seems to be a good change interval on the 6. 7L.

 

[snuff]

just keep taking samples, it should go down, the engine is still breakin in. also do you tow or just a daily driver? espically this engine is made to be worked, it will take longer to go down if the truck is just to drive around...

 

[RideSlow2004]

Truck mostly sits. I tow a Jayco 31 BHS, heavy trailer, with supplies it is easy to get the combination over 16,000. The truck runs solo for ski trips and dump runs. Most of my commuting is via Harley Davidson, but we had several weeks this last winter with serious black ice issues, so I did put some commute miles on.