oil sample result - oxidation up

Oxidation is up in this sample. What does that mean? It was 101 this most recent sample 13 in the previous then 27 prior to that and 20 before that one. The report says it is up and other readings are normal, to continue sampling at normal intervals (12,000 miles). The only thing different this time from previous oil samples was a different brand of oil and a lot of periods of extended, excessive idling (@ 1,000 rpms) to stay comfortable on rest breaks due to hot temperatures.

 

Now that you mention it my oil temps have been a tad elevated due to these high ambient temps in the southeast lately. Normally that oil temp needle will always ride at the 175* mark. When it's really hot with a load on and the sun beating down it'll be around 185* or up and down from 175-185*.

I use a fan to bring it down or keep it from going higher, to help control oil temps. Climbing Monteagle going west it will hit 200* with the fan on. I use the fan to pull that down. It takes it a while after cresting the top. But yeah, oil temps have been a tad higher. Nothing abnormal though.

And you are exactly right I did recently switch from Napa 15w40 to Traveller 15w40. In fact I bought about 15 buckets of the Traveller on sale. My oil temps always react this same way every summer. But I have never seen elevated oxidation.

If it continues with the next sample I might be taking that oil back to Tractor Supply for a refund and get more of the Napa on sale. If continually elevated oxidation is detrimental to the engine? Napa was good oil never any issues. And I can call CAT about these samples but honestly the answers from several of you guys in here are more detailed and to a point than what their lab people usually say. Crazy but true.

 

Well it just hasn't ever made a difference before. I ran Rotella for a long time then I switched to Napa. I had a high soot sample once a year or two ago. Or maybe I've had high soot 2 times in the past few years. Then the next sample checked out ok. Yeah I'm not panicked over 1 sample. But maybe it turns out you guys are right about oil after all. I'll go back to Napa again if that's the case. They have a sale on it every 2 or 3 months anyways. It was good oil. It just wasn't on sale when I ran out.

 

Yeah lol. I thought he meant short for definitely though.