Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Questions on oil analysis #'s

[JPLB22]

I spent some time in SEARCH and found some posts that listed some universal averages on oil samples from Blackstone. There are two areas that my truck seems to be above the averages on. At the time of sample my truck had 33,740 on the odo. and had 3,740 on the oil. I change my dino oil every 3,750. This is my second oil analysis, but it is the first one that had my regular oil change interval ( first analysis only had 1000 miles on it, cause I thought my oil level was increasing ). I have the analysis done by Caterpillar, my numbers didn't seem to raise any flags with them, but I wanted to ask you guys for sure.



My numbers first, then in bold the two averages that are lower than my numbers



Aluminum: 0

Chrome: 0

Copper: 11---5

Iron: 14

Lead: 1

Nickel: 0

Silver: 0. 0

Tin: 0

Molybdenum: 85----40

Silicon: 3

Sodium: 6

Antifreeze: Neg

Fuel: Neg

Water: 0%

Soot: 0

Oxidation: 0

Nitration: 0

Sulphur: 0

Viscosity: 575 ???? ( this number doesn't jive either )



Sorry if I'm just being a worry wort but I don't know much about these numbers. I plan on doing oil analysis every oil change and I already started a spread sheet to track the numbers.



TIA



Jeff

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Copper can come from bearings, or various brass/copper fittings - might be a few small particles loosening from engine fittings - at those relatively low miles, I'd not worry too much, just keep an eye on them the next few samples to see if they start tapering off - the moly is an anti-wear additive, or can come from some types of rings - but don't think Cummins uses those - other numbers look quite good - I doubt you have anything to worry about.

 

[JPLB22]

Thanks Gary !! That is the info that I was looking for. Such as where the copper might be coming from. I realize that my engine is still an infant, and it will be fun to keep track of the analysis. I still have so much to learn.



I thank my lucky stars almost every day that I found this site ( my truck thanks you guy's too, I bet )



Jeff