Oil Sample Reading a Bummer!

[ACerf]

I do oil samples regularly on my truck and they have been coming back great! Truck has 132,000+ on her and doing fine, with below avg. wear indicators. However, the last oil sample came back with a 2. 0% fuel dilution in it, which the avg. is <2. 0% or less. It has been running at 0. 5% for all of the other samples. My first thought is that I may have a leaking fuel injector? Which all the injectors were replaced at 110,000, so that would tend to upset me if that is the case! So what does everyone think may be causing me the problem? Of course it is only are real problem if it goes above 2. 0%

 

[steved]

Possibly the injectors, but don't I remember something about the crossover tubes need retorqued?

 

[macdaddy]

Is that enough to notice it on the dip stick?



Mac

 

[p-Bar]

well at 4 gallons of oil that would be 1. 28 cups of fuel. 4 cups to a quart

 

[ACerf]

Is that enough to notice it on the dip stick?



Mac

I don't think it would be. Blackstone Labs. that does the test didn't seem to be alarmed by the % since it was within limits. But it does bother me!

 

[ACerf]

Possibly the injectors, but don't I remember something about the crossover tubes need retorqued?

If it comes to you about the tubes let me know.

 

[steved]

Its a significant change that wasn't seen before... its worthy of concern.

 

[amsoilman]

Did your Viscosity level drop significantly? Personally, I wouldn't be concerned too much unless it goes over 3%, especially if the Viscosity is still within limits.

 

[macdaddy]

The reason I was asking about any noticeable change in level on the dip stick was due to the way the 6. 7's are behaving!.



Mac

 

[ACerf]

The reason I was asking about any noticeable change in level on the dip stick was due to the way the 6. 7's are behaving!.



Mac

Oh... I did not notice any change in the level. When I check the oil I try and remember where the level was from the last time. Plus I am always concerned about the seeing any tan color in the oil. Whats happening with the 6. 7?

 

[ACerf]

Did your Viscosity level drop significantly? Personally, I wouldn't be concerned too much unless it goes over 3%, especially if the Viscosity is still within limits.

To answer your question;

The SUS Viscosity @210 degs. F was 72. 8 (Range is 68-78)

cST Viscosity @100 degs. F was 13. 69 (Range is 12. 4-15. 3)



Looking at previous oil samples these readings are actually lower. But is lower a good thing in this case?

My concern is where is the fuel coming from?

 

[Bill Weber]

Lower viscosity is not good if you suspect fuel in the oil. I would resample the oil and see what you get. Lab techs are human, can make mistakes, I know. Be sure & get a good clean sample and see what you get. Maybe nothing to worry about.

Bill

 

[ACerf]

Lower viscosity is not good if you suspect fuel in the oil. I would resample the oil and see what you get. Lab techs are human, can make mistakes, I know. Be sure & get a good clean sample and see what you get. Maybe nothing to worry about.

Bill

I guess I should clearfy that reading. This sample was higher the last one, but lower the the past (4), but not by much. I would be nice if I could re-sample but I took the sample when the oil was changed. It was a mid-stream sample, so I am sure it was a good one. Blackstone is a very good lab and I am confindent that the sample is well done. I guess I will have to see what happens when the next sample is taken.

 

[AABEN]

I alway run my truck down the road for about 15 miles before I change the oil. Always have had a good come back from Blackstone. DID you have a hot engen?

 

[ACerf]

She was hot for sure. The dealer is about 10 miles from my house. When I got there they were right on it. I don't know if the Dodge/Ram dealer in your area has this deal. But I get (4) oil changes for $119. 99. That includes the Filter. When I got the truck from a friend of mine who works for Dodge, he got me free oil changes with any dealer for 7 years or 100,000 miles. So getting this deal for $120 bucks was sweet to me.

 

[ACerf]

I got this answer from Blackstone Labs and thought I would share it with everyone. Should be helpful for anyone having the same issue.



Al,

Thanks for the message.

Fuel isn't too problematic at just 2. 0%, so I wouldn't worry about it too

much at this point (though it was a bit of a surprise compared to your

previous samples, wasn't it?) Things like idling, starting the engine just

prior to sampling (like to pull the truck into the garage to change the

oil), doing a lot of city driving, taking short trips and frequent starts

can cause fuel in the oil. For now, the fuel is just something to keep an

eye on. Chances are it'll take care of itself next time, but even if it

doesn't, 2. 0% isn't a whole lot of fuel and probably isn't out of line

enough to be too concerned. If you start to see fuel linger and increase,

that might be a sign there's a problem in the works.



Also, watch out for this summer's newsletter. I did some experiments

regarding fuel dilution, and with the new finding of fuel in your oil, it

may be interesting for you to read. Or maybe not.



Sincerely,

Amanda Callahan

Blackstone Laboratories