My recent Blacksone Oil Analysis from my '14 RAM 3500 CTD w/385*850

[gsbrockman]

#ad


The first oil change was performed at 13,124 miles and 242 hours. The 2nd oil change (this analysis) was done at 27,127 miles and 500 hours (14,003 miles & 258 hours in interval).

The TBN was at 6.1.....I was glad to see that figure. The soot levels are low on these SCR trucks.

 

[Wayne M.]

Wow. I'd have a tough time pushing intervals that far unless I was very heavy OTR. What filter do you use?

 

[gsbrockman]

The first one was OEM MO285....but I found some LF16035's on a deal and am running the LF16035 currently.

 

[JLandry]

It'd be nice if Blackstone could provide more averages to compare against, such as:

1. All 2013/2014 6.7L Ram's
2. 2013/2014 6.7L Ram's under 20,000 miles
3. 2013/14 6.7L Ram's first and second oil changes

Etc.

John L.

 

[JR]

Is your truck already using/burning a quart of oil in between changes?

The fuel dilution #'s are impressive, that's pretty dang close to my 98 after that many miles.
Are you planning on dumping the oil at 10k or pull a sample and continue to run? I understand their concerns, but they generally take a very conservative approach when giving recommendations especially since they are dealing with a new platform and have limited history to go by.

 

[Killgore]

Your metals are high, break-in or not. I'd cut my change interval back and look for some stablization in the numbers.
- Ed

 

[gsbrockman]

Is your truck already using/burning a quart of oil in between changes?

The fuel dilution #'s are impressive, that's pretty dang close to my 98 after that many miles.
Are you planning on dumping the oil at 10k or pull a sample and continue to run? I understand their concerns, but they generally take a very conservative approach when giving recommendations especially since they are dealing with a new platform and have limited history to go by.

Read this thread http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/2...b-4x4-drw-3-73-aisin-fuel-economy-report.html and maybe it'll help shed a little light on how I use the truck (also 29,669 miles and 550 trouble-free hours as of July 31st, 2014. (Average Miles Per Hour = 53.9). Here's the Fuelly link also : http://www.fuelly.com/car/ram/3500/2014/gsbrockman/298756

IMO.....I don't think that amount of oil consumption from a beginning odometer of 13,124 miles thru 27,127 miles is significant given the way the truck is worked. It has almost mirrored the '13 RAM 3500 I had that was sold at 42k miles. After the 2nd oil change.....oil consumption was nil.

I'm not sure I'll dump at 10k.....I might go to 12k....just depends on how far from home I am and what all is planned.

 

[Wayne M.]

At this duty cycle, I'd be looking at extra filtration. A bypass setup perhaps? I wouldn't push oil more than 250 hours in any high duty cycle application. At this point, changing on mileage is out the window. What are you doing in your other sumps?

 

[JR]

That's quite the thread you have on CF. Thanks for sharing it.

 

[jus2shy]

Out of our transit buses, I've noticed that all new engines (re-man or brand new) tend to have very high copper counts and it takes about 4 or 5 oil changes before they're back to more normal levels. We figured that it was just copper leaching from the oil cooler. As long as there's no associated other metals like tin or lead, you're probably just having copper leaching at this point and so it's nothing to worry about. I'm a little concerned with the potassium, but I don't see any corresponding sodium (usually the alarm for a failed EGR at my job). So you should be good. Nice to see the oil very stable. So did this past report also have the LF16035 oil filter? Or was that the MO-285? Anyways, the LF16035 has a really nice filtering media and will help keep that oil even cleaner.

 

[gsbrockman]

Thanks, jus2shy!!! Your reply is very welcomed. The report above was with the MOPAR MO285. The LF16035 is in use now. I was happy with the TBN at 6.1 I'll probably run about 12k this run....and see if the LF16035 makes any difference.

 

[gsbrockman]

Got back from a trip to MI around 2:20 am.....pulled the engine oil drain plug and let it drain overnight.

The Radio Flyer got 12 quarts of Delo 400 LE 5W40 Synthetic, a Donaldson oil filter, and two new MOPAR / Athens Dodge fuel filters.

I also grabbed a few ounces of oil to send off to Blackstone Labs. I am at 308,887 miles, 5,685 drive hours, and 559 idle hours. Anxious to see what Blackstone says this time.

 

[JR]

And now to pick your brain if I may


What is your reasoning for 5w40 vs 15w40 previously mentioned?

I've used Schaeffers in all of my pre emission engines and changed at roughly 30k mile intervals (bypass filter included). This after my family began using it on their large scale dairy farm on an analysis program through Schaeffer.

My first oil change on this truck was also Schaeffers but only because I had a small surplus. With the EGR and higher oil contamination I'm definitely sticking to the 15k mile intervals which IMO negates the advantage of using synthetics. Currently I can buy a 5 gallon pale of Delo 15w40 @ around $60. Close to double that for Delo 5w40. (I can actually buy my Schaeffers for less).

Obviously whatever your doing is working well! Thanks for sharing your experiences.

 

[gsbrockman]

And now to pick your brain if I may


What is your reasoning for 5w40 vs 15w40 previously mentioned?

I've used Schaeffers in all of my pre emission engines and changed at roughly 30k mile intervals (bypass filter included). This after my family began using it on their large scale dairy farm on an analysis program through Schaeffer.

My first oil change on this truck was also Schaeffers but only because I had a small surplus. With the EGR and higher oil contamination I'm definitely sticking to the 15k mile intervals which IMO negates the advantage of using synthetics. Currently I can buy a 5 gallon pale of Delo 15w40 @ around $60. Close to double that for Delo 5w40. (I can actually buy my Schaeffers for less).

Obviously whatever your doing is working well! Thanks for sharing your experiences.

The Delo 400 LE 5W40 synthetic runs me about an extra $21.00 per oil change vs. 15W40 non-synthetic.

5W40 has better flow characteristics and better high temperature protection.

Additionally.....5W40 is needed when temperatures get below 0*F. Since I hotshot, and never know where the next run will be, I am always covered.

 

[6.7LRigby]

What is the average cost of doing an analysis like this one?

 

[TCDiesel]

https://www.blackstone-labs.com/free-test-kits.php Bulk Orders https://www.blackstone-labs.com/order-now.php

 

[Killgore]

I believe the current charge for the basic test is $28. Running the TBN is another $10. Blackstone supplies the shipping containers. They also offer a discounted price if you order the tests in bulk.

- Ed

 

[gsbrockman]

Finally received my analysis from Blackstone.....

 

[photowrite]

TBN is good for 14k.

 

[MJWenrich]

So, from the recent numbers can we presume the high metal numbers were from a break in period?