Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Oil sample- high lead

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Just got the results back from sampling the '98. Had 14500 miles on the oil, no bypass filter, changed filter once at around 8000 miles. Report--> Image of Oil Sample 98 Ram - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting



Silicon and lead numbers are way up compared to last time, has me scratching my head since the air filter seems to be doing a good job. It's a BHAF and the intake plumbing is squeaky clean, but the numbers are a lot higher than when my '01 had a very bad K&N air filter which dusted the intake noticeably.



If the lead numbers were high from bearing wear wouldn't tin also be elevated?



Driving style was different between the first and second sample. . . truck was bone stock and driven easily, this time I added Bosch 300 injectors and worked it quite a bit harder with more towing and heavy use of the go pedal. Interestingly soot levels are close to the same between the two samples.



I ran about 250 gallons of DSE blend WVO so that may have an impact on the numbers.



Vaughn

 

[LandShark]

My first thought is that I had a similar experience a few years back when I sent identical samples to two different labs. The results were generally similar for most metals, but one was way off. Yes, it was lead. I called the lab and they told me that the lab was having a problem with contamination and they offered me several free analysis.

I believe you are correct in that high lead would usually have high chrome and tin, if you really had a problem. Call the lab and see what they say. I would send a sample to another lab if you can't get a answer that makes sense regarding the high lead.

I don't do analysis any more. I consider it a waste of time and money (for me).