Now that the "Frantz" by-pass filter is on (Thanks Gary) and the oil looks squeaky clean... well. . I'm sleeping good at nights.
Well, I guess I will give a little input here, since Gary has asked the question. I think I have related this to him before, but I will post it anyway. Just because oil "looks clean", does not mean it is OK!
I have seen several cases (not in the commercial area) that oil analysis has saved engines.
A customer of mine had a 96 CTD, that had a by-pass filter, as well as synthetic in it. He had a total mileage less than 15,000 miles with approximately 7,000 on the oil at the time the analysis was taken. The analysis came back with 4. 0 % fuel in the oil, and the viscosity of the oil was somewhere around a 20 grade. The oil he had installed was a 40 grade, so the viscosity had changed
2 grades !
He was told by the lab to "Check the fuel injection system", so he took it to his dealer, and they suggested he change the oil! He then called the 800 number for Cummins, and was told to get his truck to the dealer and have the injectors and the injection pump checked out, as they thought there was indeed a problem!
He took the truck back, and they removed the injectors first and discovered one of them was
not shutting off .
Now if he had not done an oil analysis, (as I see it) he could have changed oil on a continuing basis every 3-5,000 and ... ... ... ... Who knows how long the engine would have lasted!
Another case; Another customer of mine driving a 96 Chevy had been doing oil analysis on his truck for several years, and all the reports came back showing the "Oil was suitable for continued use, change filter/filters, re-sample at next regular interval". He too was using a "by-pass" oil filtering system. (won't mention what kind, as it is insignificant)
The very next sample, he received a "FAX", stating the oil had an extremely large amount of "silicon"(dirt) in it, and suggested he look at the "Air Induction System". He called me, and I went to his place and we proceeded to check the air filter, which looked OK. We then removed the Flexible air tube between the air box and plenum on the engine, and when we straightened the tube out, we discovered a crack between one of the corrugation's in the rubber, which was allowing "unfiltered" air to get in the engine.
Once again, who knows how long the engine would have lasted if this was not discovered!
I have more examples, but I will not post anymore. *I* certainly believe in oil analysis, but that is me... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . everyone is different, and has there own opinions. I see nothing wrong in that!
Wayne
amsoilman
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