Oil analysis results from "Monitor"

[lawdog1]

All, just got back my first oil analysis result from "Monitor" (I used the Geno's kit). I won't bore you with the particulars of the results, it says it is normal and I confirmed this fact with a search of prior posts on the subject. My question is, the "Monitor" test did not give me any VIS, TAN or TBN values or results. Is that satisfactory? I saw that other people's test results included results for these items. Do I need/want this information and did they screw up by not testing for these items? Thanks for your comments.

 

[LightmanE300]

It's a mistake to assume Geno's has all the best things, just because they have most good things for our trucks. That oil analysis report is pretty incomplete for the reasons above that you mentioned. TBN is probably the most important factor/result you can look at, it basically tells you when your oil is shot, provided you haven't exceeded other wear metal or contaminant parameters.



It wouldn't be a bore to read your report, I think you don't want to type it out Lets see it! Don't forget to include the mileage and time on the oil, any make up oil added, as well as the brand/visc of the oil used.



FYI, the oil has to be really really fubar'ed for the analysis companies to tell you it's not 'suitable for continued use' ... Most of us change it well before that warning...

 

[lawdog1]

Iron -22

Aluminum - 2

Copper - 4

Silver - 1

Silicon - 10

Sodium - 2

Potassium - 19

Antimony - 2

Boron - 2

Magnesium - 15

Calcium - 3962

Phosphorus - 1334

Zinc - 1472

Fuel - . 5

Soot - less than . 1

H20% - less than . 1



All other values were zero.



Rotella T 15w-40, Starting mileage 8125, Ending mileage 14250, change interval 6125. No added oil. I use staydyne performance formula fuel additive every tank and see the truck mods. on my signature. Comments are welcome. I am still running Rotella T, but I am going to switch to synthetic on my next change, at about 20K (Redline 15w-40, Full Synthetic Diesel Engine Oil).

 

[KKlepfer]

Monitor has more than one test kit. You'll have to purchase the kit that includes TBN and viscosity. Those kits cost a little more. I prefer the kit that also tests for TBN and viscosity. I don't have the part number on me but if you call Monitor they'll give you the part number or just find a fleetguard distributor and they can look up the number.

 

[WNowlan]

TBN on a used sample is not relavent unless you know if they are using the same ASTM test as the new sample. Then you need to change before the value gets to 1/3 of the new value. Most oil companies use the ASTM D2896 because this gives you the highest value.



The OEM's are going to TAN to best predict the reserve of the oil. You will need to know the starting point and then the condeming limits.



The viscosity is very important to have.

 

[LightmanE300]

Wear metals are fine, but not fantastic. Silicon is also a bit high for only 6000 miles, however I suspect both are a bit high due to engine break in, and you'll see them come down over time. To be honest, it was probably too early to do an analysis.



Typically you shouldn't see any fuel dilution but I see . 5. Do you let your truck idle a lot?

 

[lawdog1]

I don't know if I idle the truck "a lot". I go to slow drive thru's on ocassion, sometimes I get stuck in traffic. I don't think I let it idle alot, but if I need to let it idle I do. I can't remember letting it idle for more than 10 minutes or so, and I don't specifically recall ever letting it idle that long, but I don't really keep track of such things. I will confirm results with another analysis at 20k. Thanks for the comments.