Oil analysis with high aluminum

[lfwood]

2015 Big Horn, CC, LB, 4WD, 6.7 CDT

I just received my first oil analysis on my 2015 Cummins. The mileage on the truck at sample time was 53671, and the mileage on the oil was 14372, The oil used since the first change has been Amsoil 5W-40 (DEO - Signature Series),

The lab, Oil Analyzers, graded the sample as Level 3 abnormal. The aluminum content was 59 PPM, potassium was 116 PPM. I should say I had extended the change interval (both oil and filter) to 12 months on this sample, beyond the six month intervals I had used previously.

The engine does not use oil. It was down possibly half to 3/4ths of a quart in those 14372 miles. The oil appeared to be free from any contaminates, just normal, dark, used diesel oil.

Of course, this report has alarmed me, so I am going back to the six month change interval and will take another sample at that time. However, if anyone has experience with this issue, how alarmed should I be? The truck runs fine and has not required service other than normal maintenance and recalls.

 

[Newsa]

How did you take the sample?

Did you drain the oil and skim off the top?

Or did you take the sample midway as the oil was draining?

Did you use a containet that previously had antifreeze/coolant in it?

 

[Wiredawg]

I have a new 2017 5500 that I just performed the first oil change using the 6-month interval, the first 44 years of changing oil to use time as a criteria to change oil. I wished I had performed an oil analysis, but didn't think about it. I will do it the next time. I'm not that familiar with all of the internal parts of engine, but I think the pistons may be the significant part that has an aluminum alloy. Maybe one of the Cummins master mechanics can enlighten us what that number means.

Cheers, Ron

 

[Ram4Sam]

I have a new 2017 5500 that I just performed the first oil change using the 6-month interval, the first 44 years of changing oil to use time as a criteria to change oil. I wished I had performed an oil analysis, but didn't think about it. I will do it the next time. I'm not that familiar with all of the internal parts of engine, but I think the pistons may be the significant part that has an aluminum alloy. Maybe one of the Cummins master mechanics can enlighten us what that number means.

Cheers, Ron

You did yourself a favor by forgetting the oil analysis. Oil from the first oil change is chock full of metals from the initial engine break in.....
The numbers would have given you a heart attack.

Sam

 

[lfwood]

How did you take the sample?

Did you drain the oil and skim off the top?

Or did you take the sample midway as the oil was draining?

Did you use a containet that previously had antifreeze/coolant in it?

The sample was taken using an Oil Analyzers Extraction pump through a silicone tube threaded through the dipstick tube. The engine had been off for about ten minutes when the sample was extracted into a new sample bottle. The extraction pump was brand new, as was the silicone tubing, but no parts of this pump ever touch the oil anyway.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Post your report in its entirety

 

[lfwood]

Post your report in its entirety

 

[Newsa]

Soot % seems low for such long oil use. Are you using a bypass filter in addition to the full flow?

I'm wondering if the aluminum might be "floating" to the top in the 10 or so mins you have the engine off. The low soot% makes me think maybe the soot is also settling to the bottom? Also wondering if aluminum night have a greater chance of adhering to the inside of the dipstick tube.... Being less dense than other metals?

It is just one sample, most advise not to be alarmed by one sample that on the surface looks like a problem might be generating.

 

[JR]

Some other Possible sources of potassium aside from what your report mentioned include corrosion inhibitors in oils and coolants. It is also used in some fuel additives, both from the fuel supplier and aftermarket "conditioners". Since no fuel dilution was measured that's likely not your source.

Do they not perform a glycol test? Most analysis includes this, it is a potential source of many problems which is the whole point of doing analysis. To catch potential problems early.


My soot level has been under .5 so I dont think your number is anything out of the ordinary. I'm like you, i don't go by the 6 month bit either and change based on mileage. I average 10-11 months on an oil change.
If I were getting abnormal levels like you are i think I'd just do another sample midway through or a little sooner if your worried. It could have been a fluke, either in the way the sample was taken, or maybe your initial levels were high and trending downward. Worthy of a follow-up for sure, but not time to be concerned yet.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Thanks for the report, simply click "Full Image" next time. I used them ONCE, can't remember why but did NOT like their report. I have used Blackstone many times, I do get the TBN number.

My Viscosity it a bit thick this time but I PERSONALLY like the 15-40 better.

ifwood, I advise removing your personal info!!!

 

[lfwood]

Thanks for the report, simply click "Full Image" next time. I used them ONCE, can't remember why but did NOT like their report. I have used Blackstone many times, I do get the TBN number.

My Viscosity it a bit thick this time but I PERSONALLY like the 15-40 better.

ifwood, I advise removing your personal info!!!

Thank you for the reply. I have removed the report. When I was changing the oil twice a year, I used the 15W-40 at the spring change, and the 5W-40 at the fall change since we can get some pretty deep winter temps here! It was only on the last change, the sample change, that I went 5W-40 for the whole year. I have had that truck start after sitting outside overnight several times, without a plug-in, in -20 temperatures. Started first time, every time.

I will do another analysis when I change oil in the spring and update this post at that time. Hopefully, the flagged items will have lower values next time.

 

[Cummins12V98]

You may want to compare the specs on AMZ/OIL's site. If I am reading this correctly the 15-40 is close enough that I would stick with the 15-40 in COLD weather.

 

[lfwood]

You may want to compare the specs on AMZ/OIL's site. If I am reading this correctly the 15-40 is close enough that I would stick with the 15-40 in COLD weather.

View attachment 109678

The problem with this is the warning in the Ram Owners Manual to use 5W-40 synthetic at temperatures below 0F.
As it states: "CAUTION! Failure to use 5W-40 synthetic engine oil in ambient temperatures below 0F could result in severe engine damage". As long as there is warranty left, I do not want to stray too far from the recommendation.

 

[Newsa]

The problem with this is the warning in the Ram Owners Manual to use 5W-40 synthetic at temperatures below 0F.
As it states: "CAUTION! Failure to use 5W-40 synthetic engine oil in ambient temperatures below 0F could result in severe engine damage". As long as there is warranty left, I do not want to stray too far from the recommendation.

There are several 15w 40's that have better cold flow characteristics than 5w 40's as long as your pour point is 20° F below actual temps, you are fine

 

[gsbrockman]

The problem with this is the warning in the Ram Owners Manual to use 5W-40 synthetic at temperatures below 0F.
As it states: "CAUTION! Failure to use 5W-40 synthetic engine oil in ambient temperatures below 0F could result in severe engine damage". As long as there is warranty left, I do not want to stray too far from the recommendation.

But.........but..........but...........but...it is AMZ/OIL

 

[TCDiesel]

Never ,Never condemn the engine on 1 Sample, You Must have a trend, The sample you took IMO could have been tainted, Example : owners use the Fumoto Valve to take sample , They drive all wither long and forget to brake clean the Valve, When the OA shows 155PPM sodium the valve had salt form the road.....

 

[Cummins12V98]

But.........but..........but...........but...it is AMZ/OIL

I am willing to bet RedLine is no different. Just because an oil is Synthetic does not make it the same as all others.

 

[AH64ID]

Where did the report go?

 

[Newsa]

I am willing to bet RedLine is no different. Just because an oil is Synthetic does not make it the same as all others.

I am confused by the 2 above contradicting statements. But i would like to know what he is saying. What is meant by "no different" but "does not make it the same".

Seems like the 2 statements say exactly the opposite. That's why i'm thinking he was talking about 2 different things?

 

[Cummins12V98]

I am confused by the 2 above contradicting statements. But i would like to know what he is saying. What is meant by "no different" but "does not make it the same".

Seems like the 2 statements say exactly the opposite. That's why i'm thinking he was talking about 2 different things?

Read what I was responding to, NOT just my quote.