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Oil analysis report

kevin_z

kevin_z

Regular Contributor
1995 Crusader 454XL. Fresh water cooled (complete system) 700 hrs. New oil cooler, manifolds, risers 2010. Replaced risers again last month. Did oil change and sent oil in for analysis. Bought kit at NAPA. Got results back need help on what it means.

"Copper level (bearing/cooler core) abnormal. All other engine wear rates normal."

"Potassium level (Oil additive/coolant chemical) elevated. Other contaminant levels acceptable."

"Viscosity within specified operating range."

The coolant over flow (expansion) tank maintains a constant level. I do not use any additives.

The numbers are: Copper 166
Potassium 139
 
how many oil changes have been done since the new oil cooler was installed? sounds like a bit of copper and coolant hanging around from that repair and the new copper tubes which will leach slightly depending on how they were cleaned @ manufacture.
I would resample in another 25 hours and also send in a new sample of the oil you used. (sometimes the data they have in their system is outdated - would be good to know how much copper is in the new oil you're using)
 
This is the third oil change since new oil U coolers. The report also shows no water or coolant in sample. I think that is a good idea to send in sample of new oil next oil change. I am also going to do a transmission sample. I did read some where that high levels of copper should not be of concern unless high levels of tin and lead are also present.
 
You may want to call the lab that did the analysis and see if they have the data on the oil that you use...some oils have a significant amount of copper in them so if you let them know the oil being used, it may alter their commentary somewhat.

2X on the potential source being the cooler and the high concern being warranted when copper, tin, and lead are present simultaneously...
 
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