Why the high levels of Copper indicated in an Oil Analysis?

[HEMI®Dart]

They say It's probably from the oil cooler which means Engine oil is breaking down the cooler tubing??

 

[MChrist]

I've heard on this forum that that can happen while using certain synthetics, primarily Amsoil. Are you using synthetic oil?

 

[HEMI®Dart]

I've heard on this forum that that can happen while using certain synthetics, primarily Amsoil. Are you using synthetic oil?

Yes Amsoil Series 3000 5W-30

 

[MChrist]

I remember reading somewhere on this forum where somebody had the same situation using Amsoil. Their copper numbers were high, then tapered off with each subsequent oil analysis. I would think if it was bearing material, it would only get worse.
Seems like nothing to really worry about. Maybe do an oil analysis next year and compare?

 

[RonD]

Why are you using Amsoil 5w-30 in a 1994 engine?, I would think any 15-40 Rotella etc would work just fine

 

[MChrist]

Why are you using Amsoil 5w-30 in a 1994 engine?, I would think any 15-40 Rotella etc would work just fine

I didn't catch that the OP was using 5W-30. 15-40 is recommended, however I use 5W-40 during winter. Mobil 1 synthetic for me.

 

[HEMI®Dart]

I use Amsoil Series 3000 5W30 in my engine vs 15W40 for the sole reason the Oil Analyisis' always came back with ½ the wear metals in the 5W30 vs 15W40.

 

[dieselworld]

Because Amsoil is superior to Rotel-tomato oil.

 

[Tuesdak]

UOA is all about looking for trends. If you are using the same oil and have a sudden spike of copper with no other metals, yeah, it is time to pull the oil cooler.

If you are using a different "new" oil including adding a different make up oil: All oils are not the same. Your engine takes a few changes to get used to the "new" to it additive package in the oil. This includes a sudden spike in copper from the copper tubes in the oil cooler. It should settle down in a change or two.

I ran into the same thing with Royal Purple - caused spike in copper when past UOA were fine on copper. For a short time years ago I just ran whatever brand was on sale - bad idea!

This is one myth that is confirmed: Your engine gets used to the same oil so keep running the same oil. Difference is usually trivial, but, you can see the difference in UOA. So if you switch brands stay switched.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Because Amsoil is superior to Rotel-tomato oil.

That's a matter of Opinion, WC Fields said it best??? One born every minute

Tomas Tusser: A fool and his money are soon parted

JMO

 

[Tinman]

I've had to switch oils a couple times due to availability and I've never seen any real changes in UOA. Run Delo 400 15-40 CI-4+ in everything now.