Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Oil Analysis/ Slow indicated oil press. on start

[alaskagrizz]

I just got back the results of my first oil analysis from Fleetguard/ Monitor, and have actually two questions to post here regarding my lube system. First, it seems the iron PPM count is high (see below for numbers). Second, and possibly related is the slow rise of indicated (and heard) oil pressure on start..... whether cold or warm. I have read on this forum where it seems to be a common problem, with many guys using pre-oilers. I have had two other 1st gen. 12 valves prior to my current 2nd gen, and neither took long to pump up on start. When properly Alaska cold soaked (plugged in), it takes 5-6 Mississippi... ... warm is 3-4 Mississipi. I am a 25 year aircraft mechanic, and this seems just too long... ... but I know I am not alone in 2nd gens. My oil pressure is 50-55 on speed, 35-40 at idle. I have only had this truck since last November, and this oil analysis was done at 5162 miles using Delo 400 10W-30 and Fleetguard 3894 filter. Any informed advice from those "in the know" regarding both questions is appreciated. Thanks in advance... ...



Iron 34

Chromium 2

Nickel0

Aluminum 3

Copper 2

Lead 0

Tin 0

Cadmium 0

Silver 0

Titanium 0

Vanadium 0

Silicon 38

Sodium 3

Potassium 1

Molybdenum 0

Antimony 0

Manganese 0

Lithium 0

Boron 1

Magnesium 0

Calcium 3205

Barium 0

Phosphurus 1195

Zinc 1300

Fuel 0. 5

Soot <. 1

Water <. 1

Vis 40C CS

Vis 100C CS



There appears to be nothing listed for both TAN and TBN. What seems to be the consensus regarding test labs? I see several guys mentioning Blackstone, what about the Fleetguard Monitor program?

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

The fact that both silicon (dirt) and Iron are both high might indicate a poor efficiency or leaky air cleaner - though other numbers seem OK - Blackstone doesn't give TBN readings either, unless you pay extra - and TBN usually is pretty worthless unless you use extended oil drain intervals, since any decent oil will stay good in TBN well beyond "normal" intervals.



Dunno what you mean by length of time for oil pressure to rise - if you mean on the guage, but if the '98's are like my '02, it's computer controlled as to length of time it takes the guage to physically register, even tho' actual pressure is already present - unlike purely mechanical guages that function in "real time"...

 

[JohnE]

alaskagrizz;



Your timing for oil pressure rise is similar to mine and consistent with most pre IS Cummins engines. You have excellant speed and idle pressures, too.

Silicon reading very high.



Personally, I found the 10W-xx oils I used too thick for local winter usage. 5W-XX synthetic is my preference.

 

[BillGotthelf]

Iron and silicon are a little high-nothing to really worry about unless they get much higher. Iron comes from cylinder linings mostly. The silicon can come from a number of sources including your anti-freeze getting into the oil. Although with the water at less than . 1% I doubt its that. Ckeck your air filter.

 

[JJW_ND]

SI high Fe OK

When I ran dino oil, I had several 5-6K drain intervals that were above 32. They were always in the dead of winter!!! I was using 15W40 at the time. Might be something to the thought that most wear occurs at startup. The sillicon at the time was in the teens. I would not worry about the iron reading. One time oil analysis is not as valuable as the trend that develops after 5 or 6 samples at consistent intervals.



I would second JohnE reconmendation to use 5W oils in cold temps. Big time improvement in time to oil pressure. If you need to be starting a cold engine (really cold) the reduced wear (lower Fe readings) from 5W oils is well worth it. 5W oils = Full synthetic CH4 or better.



jjw

ND

 

[illflem]

I ran 5w synthetic last winter and pressure came up fast like the others said.

This year I figured out I could buy an oil pan heater plus pay the power bill for it cheaper than the cost of synthetic. Oil pressure comes right up. If you have power where you park an oil pan heater is another alternative.