Question about oil analysis report

[BC]

Just received my first-ever oil analysis report. Did it thanks to a great article in TDR #32. Had the folks at PdMA do the analysis.



I will call them today to help me understand the report. I also would like input from the brain trust on this board. That's where I've learned everything else about our 3500.



A few things to know: One, I have 124,000 miles and bought the truck new. Two, I pull heavy 4 to 6 times per month. By heavy I mean 12,000 to 14,000 lbs. Three, I have used Amsoil oil and filters since the 85,000 mile mark. Four, I had gone 14,000 miles on same oil and filter when I took sample. Five, when I took sample I replaced filter but not the oil. Six, I know I should have replaced the filter at 7,000 miles, my mistake. Seven, I plan on keeping our 3500 for 6 or 7 more years, so I want to avoid any major engine failures.



The first page has something called "Discussion of Results". It says: "Ferrogram Interpretaion: A moderate amount of ferrous rubbing wear and abrasive dust/dirt particels were observed. A few ferrous cutting wear, nonferrous white metal rubbing wear, coper alloy rubbing wear and large fiber particles were also present. The presence of cutting wear particles suggests possible misalignment and/or abrasive contamination. The morphology of the other metal particles does not suggest any abnormal wear modes. "



I sent in two oil samples: The first was new Amsoil oil. The second was the oil that had been in our Dodge for 14,000 miles. To get the oil sample from the truck I drained the oil from the drain plug for about one gallon, then took sample.



When comparing the report for the new oil sample vs the used oil sample, two categories stuck out like a sore thumb. The first category, under the heading "wear metals", Iron (Fe) jumped from 2 ppm to 29 ppm. Also the Lead (Pb) jumped from 0 ppm to 12 ppm. The second category of concern was titled "D. R. Ferrography". The "small" jumped from 0. 1 to 1. 5, and the "large" jumped from 0. 7 to 4. 6.



Can someone tell me what all this means?



I am ordering a new filter today. As soon as it comes in I'll replace the oil and filter.



Thanks for any help and information.



Bill Cook

 

[BillGotthelf]

Well I'll tell you what I have learned having had my oil in 7 different pickups-Ford and Dodges- and heavy equipment. My 96 Dodge has 120,000 miles and the same oil-Delo400- in it for the last 116,000. I run a TF Purifiner oil filtration system (now Puradyn) and have the oil tested every 15,000 miles right before I change filter element in Oil system. Factory filter is changed once a year as it doesn't do anything as Purofiner removes particiles smaller than one micron. My tests have always come back with all wear metals within specs for good oil and continued use. The ferrous metals mostly come from the cylinder liner and could be a result of abrasives in the oil working with the rings to wear on cylinder wall. Either change fatory filter and oil more often (possibly 3,000 miles) and test again or invest in one of the aftermarket mico filtration sytems such as Puradyn's or Amsoil's. I like Puradyn's better because the filter itself contains additives that bleed out over time and the filter unit has a stainless steel heater on top which removes water, antifreeeze and fuel that builds up in the oil.

 

[Sled Puller]

"abrasive dust/dirt particels were observed"







Air filter is letting dirt by.



Call the lab and discuss this with them. Also call Amsoil tech department and talk to them.



Gene

 

[BC]

Bill, thanks for the info. I keep thinking about adding a bypass filter system. I'm trying to see if changing the oil filter every 6k and complete oil and filter change at 24k will do the job. If not, then I will add the bypass system.



MGM, thanks, I never thought about calling the Amsoil lab. I'll do that today.



Bill Cook