Community Forums

MO Fred · 03-16-2020, 08:04 PM

So, all readings are well within range except Sodium which is 59 ppm. The Cat dealer explained to me why the high sodium reading and indicates all is green so... what would you think might be causing the high sodium and is there any problem here?

1doodadd · 03-16-2020, 08:09 PM

Fred, Was you oil sample taken after the engine was at operating temperature and from the dip stick tube? Will wait for your reply

MO Fred · 03-17-2020, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1doodadd

Fred, Was you oil sample taken after the engine was at operating temperature and from the dip stick tube? Will wait for your reply

Yes, sample was taken immediately after driving 110 miles through the dipstick tube.

1doodadd · 03-17-2020, 08:45 PM

Fred, Have you upgraded to a Quality Cat approved ELC red coolant? I only use Chevron Delo ELC coolant and will never use the Green with additive filter every again. SCA testing is a pain. When I worked at a world Wide Major Construction company I was taught the when taking a sample the First one taken through the dipstick tube was a Throw Away Sample, the second bottle was the sample. But anyway, I would be looking at your oil cooler being the culprit because I believe the coolant is entering the lubrication system somewhere. Just my opinion

Provided is some Very Good Reading and may give you some other systems to look at

https://www.techenomics.net/2014/02/sodium-in-oil/

MO Fred · 03-18-2020, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1doodadd

Fred, Have you upgraded to a Quality Cat approved ELC red coolant? I only use Chevron Delo ELC coolant and will never use the Green with additive filter every again. SCA testing is a pain. When I worked at a world Wide Major Construction company I was taught the when taking a sample the First one taken through the dipstick tube was a Throw Away Sample, the second bottle was the sample. But anyway, I would be looking at your oil cooler being the culprit because I believe the coolant is entering the lubrication system somewhere. Just my opinion

Provided is some Very Good Reading and may give you some other systems to look at

https://www.techenomics.net/2014/02/sodium-in-oil/

Yes, I have upgraded to the ELC coolant. Thanks for recommending the throwaway sample and the reading. According to the sample, there is zero evidence of any coolant being in the oil. All the markers except sodium look great. The cat dealer said that the high sodium was likely caused by air moisture entering into the motor and then evaporating off leaving a mineral deposit.... nothing to worry about. They even recommended not changing the oil just yet even though there is 8000 miles on the oil. Just wondering if anyone else is experiencing the same thing.

1doodadd · 03-18-2020, 05:19 PM

I live in Southern CA and no matter the mileage I do an oil change every 12 months, never get over 6000 on my coach per year. I do my own maintenance and take my own samples which go to my local Cat dealer. The cost of a oil change is around $150.00. Very Cheap Insurance

CountryB · 03-19-2020, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1doodadd

I do my own maintenance and take my own samples which go to my local Cat dealer. The cost of a oil change is around $150.00. Very Cheap Insurance

$150 is a questionably low price - but I agree its cheap insurance to change the oil annually.

The C12 holds 9 to 10 gallons of oil, I found standard (Rotella T4) diesel oil for $18/gallon so that's $162 to 180 just for the oil, and the filter is another $30. I use the T6 in my C13.

If there is a shop doing the oil change for $150 I would question the quality/type of oil and brand filter they are using.

But point taken.