Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Oil analysis question

[CumminsPower98]

I just got on the net and looked at my latest oil analysis that was just done today and the copper has gone through the roof. It was on it's way up on the last one too. The only thing I did before the last two samples was rebuild the turbo. I do notice that I have a slight scraping sound when it's spooling down at certain rpms that can be heard after I step out of the truck and run over to that side. I can't hear or feel anything when spinning it by hand. It has to be moving faster for the scraping sound to occur. Anyway I'm just wondering if this could be where my high copper count is coming from (what did I do wrong?). I also put on a bypass filter 12k miles ago at my last oil change and sample. That filter sure did make a big difference on the soot numbers. Below are my last four samples. The copper is highlighted as abnormal of course.







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[Gary - K7GLD]

HMMMmmm - wonder if that isn't simply an anomaly (sp?)



All the other readings are down - maybe a stray bit of copper broke loose and tilted the test sample...

 

[Ralph Wood]

I just got a report back from Pennzoil Quaker State for a 8. 3 Cummins using Delo 400 15-40 that shows 2ppm copper after a trip to Alaska and back to Texas. I looked on the back of the sheet. It says the copper comes from bushings, bearings, thrust washers, friction plates, oil cooler, and additives in the oil.

I pulled into a Cummins dealer in Chanute, Ks with a loud noise coming from the turbo on a large truck. They found a clamp in the turbo. It was the size they install the large hoses with.



Ralph

 

[KKlepfer]

Copper can come from Journal Bearings, bushings, gasket material, oil additive, oil cooler, oil pump bushing, thrust washers, valve guides, and wrist pin bushings.



I would change my oil and hope it was an aboration.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

The high copper readings are due to the oil cooler leeching copper into the oil. Every Dodge Cummins I've had for very long will suddenly shoot the moon on copper readings then taper off back down to normal. The explaination I heard is it may be cause by an electrolysis imbalance such as weakening coolant or something to that effect that causes the copper to bleed into the oil. Keep an eye on it and don't worry about it.



If you were trashing your bearings from a coolant leak or something your tin number will also spike. Then be worried. Very worried.



Vaughn

 

[CumminsPower98]

Thanks for the replies guys. I wasn't too worried about any major engine problems but I am still suspecting something wrong with the turbo since this all started after the rebuild. Of course it could be the oil cooler too I don't know. I will continue normal use and sampling I guess and keep an eye on the turbo. I pulled the intake hose off the other day and it didn't feel abnormal other then it didn't seem to spin quite as freely as I was used too so I don't know what's going on. I do know that it is slightly leaking again on the exhaust side so maybe it's building up with carbon in there and causing a drag.

 

[BrandonThompson]

I have a 95 cummins with 212000. I wondered if you could fill me in about oil analysis. What frequency do i need to have this done. Where do i send it. I use Rotella oil and napa gold filter. Change the oil every 3 to 5 thousand.

 

[CumminsPower98]

Brandon, it's not really that critical that you have your oil analyzed because you are changing your oil so often. I am using synthetic oil with a bypass filer and extending my drains indefinitely so I use analysis as a guide so I will know how the oil is doing. I have been sampling every 12k miles. If you want to get yours tested there are many places that do this. I personally have been using Oil Analyzers Inc. The other main company that people here use is Black Stone. If you have any big truck or equipment shops in your area you can usually get them to test your oil. Oil analysis saved me in one case because it told me the air filter I was using at the time was not doing it's job so I was able to correct it.