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Coma · 09-08-2012, 03:32 PM

Just received my oil analysis. Any thoughts? About 7k miles on oil.

dennis45 · 09-08-2012, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coma

Just received my oil analysis. Any thoughts? About 7k miles on oil.

When you send in an oil sample be sure to give ALL the information required on the sample data card. Type of oil is important so the lab has the new oil to compare the sample to. Also, this lab is doing a very basic report. Suggest using a lab that does a more comprehensive sample. IE TAN/TBN
From what I see, there are no outstanding issues for 7K but as with any fluid analysis, it is a matter of trending. Suggest another sample be taken in 2-3K miles to begin a trend. Iron looks a little high to me but keep an eye on it at the next sample. Iron is typically liner wear.

lonestarace · 09-08-2012, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coma

Any thoughts? About 7k miles on oil.

It looks OK, from what I can tell. Looks like a OAI(Polaris) report, but you need to spend a little more $ so as to get a more complete picture.

Pre-pay for their kits from Amsoil, and for $25 total, also get TBN, Oxidation, and Nitration #s.

sjholt · 09-08-2012, 05:11 PM

You are good to go- almost no wear except iron which goes up as mileage goes up.
You must have a bypass filter and are using Delvac 1300 oil.
Run that oil for 5k more miles and recheck.

Coma · 09-09-2012, 10:59 AM

Thanks to all!

I cheaped out and bought the basic kit w/o TAN/TBN. I didn't remember what brand the oil was so I did not include it. My local supplier has Delvac so that is what I will be using in the future. It also had a NAPA filter on it which I replaced with a Cummins filter, I will want particle size next time also.

So is the iron a function of miles on oil or miles on engine?

lonestarace · 09-09-2012, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coma

Thanks to all!

I cheaped out and bought the basic kit w/o TAN/TBN. I didn't remember what brand the oil was so I did not include it. My local supplier has Delvac so that is what I will be using in the future. It also had a NAPA filter on it which I replaced with a Cummins filter, I will want particle size next time also.

So is the iron a function of miles on oil or miles on engine?

A little of both.

The iron count is OK or the Lab would have flagged it.

spike45 · 09-12-2012, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coma

Thanks to all!

I cheaped out and bought the basic kit w/o TAN/TBN. I didn't remember what brand the oil was so I did not include it. My local supplier has Delvac so that is what I will be using in the future. It also had a NAPA filter on it which I replaced with a Cummins filter, I will want particle size next time also.

So is the iron a function of miles on oil or miles on engine?

Judging from the used viscosity, you did not run this oil change for very long. Typical used viscosity for a 15W40 would show around 14 on the vis scale. A long run would show used vis at 15 or higher.

Used TBN is of great value, if you are planning on extending drain intervals. The drain intervals are optimized to give you a used oil TBN of 50% of new TBN. The bottom for Cummins on TBN is 2.0.

Particle counting used diesel oil is at best a crap shoot. Particle counting is done by shooting an energy beam into the oil and measuring reflectance off particles. The problem with this is that soot particles also reflect hence wear particles are miscounted. One way to get around this is to dilute the sample with solvent.....then you dilute the accuracy as well. Particle counting works well with your transmission fluid. And you should do that on a trans oil analysis.

If you are using Polaris Labs analysis, you can buy direct from them. See their website at Oil Analysis, Coolant Analysis, Fuel Analysis, Metalworking Fluid Analysis, Fuel Testing, Oil Testing, Coolant Testing — POLARIS Laboratories®

Mr_D · 09-12-2012, 10:20 PM

I bought a 3 pack kit from JG Lubricants (on sale right now if you use "Fall Fling" in the coupon code). Was going to take a sample to send in today but ran out of time (needed to go to work!).

Coma · 09-13-2012, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spike45

Judging from the used viscosity, you did not run this oil change for very long. Typical used viscosity for a 15W40 would show around 14 on the vis scale. A long run would show used vis at 15 or higher.

Used TBN is of great value, if you are planning on extending drain intervals. The drain intervals are optimized to give you a used oil TBN of 50% of new TBN. The bottom for Cummins on TBN is 2.0.

Particle counting used diesel oil is at best a crap shoot. Particle counting is done by shooting an energy beam into the oil and measuring reflectance off particles. The problem with this is that soot particles also reflect hence wear particles are miscounted. One way to get around this is to dilute the sample with solvent.....then you dilute the accuracy as well. Particle counting works well with your transmission fluid. And you should do that on a trans oil analysis.

If you are using Polaris Labs analysis, you can buy direct from them. See their website at Oil Analysis, Coolant Analysis, Fuel Analysis, Metalworking Fluid Analysis, Fuel Testing, Oil Testing, Coolant Testing — POLARIS Laboratories®

I used JG. Oil had 7K miles and 10 months, thanks for tip on particle count.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

I bought a 3 pack kit from JG Lubricants (on sale right now if you use "Fall Fling" in the coupon code). Was going to take a sample to send in today but ran out of time (needed to go to work!).

Mr_D · 09-17-2012, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

I bought a 3 pack kit from JG Lubricants (on sale right now if you use "Fall Fling" in the coupon code). Was going to take a sample to send in today but ran out of time (needed to go to work!).

Took the sample as per the instructions, went to enter the info over the Internet and can't get the input form to show. Sent an email to the site over the weekend but no answer yet.

Stillwater · 09-17-2012, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coma

Just received my oil analysis. Any thoughts? About 7k miles on oil.

I use Caterpilar Equipment Fluid analysis labs for my samples. I buy the kits from the dealer, take the sample but then when I get the results I go in and talk to the local service manager about my analysis. He is looking at these reports on a daily basis and understands the meaning far better than I do. He has been very helpful. Also as others have stated it's trend over several oil analysis that is most useful. BTW I have a 8.3 Cummins with an Allison. I take samples from both when I service the engine.
Ohio CAT: Fluids Analysis Lab

Coma · 09-17-2012, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stillwater

I use Caterpilar Equipment Fluid analysis labs for my samples. I buy the kits from the dealer, take the sample but then when I get the results I go in and talk to the local service manager about my analysis. He is looking at these reports on a daily basis and understands the meaning far better than I do. He has been very helpful. Also as others have stated it's trend over several oil analysis that is most useful. BTW I have a 8.3 Cummins with an Allison. I take samples from both when I service the engine.
Ohio CAT: Fluids Analysis Lab

Thanks, it looks like there is one nearby.