hows this oil sample look

What motor? Out of couriosity.

 

Overall the sample looks good, and it's hard to know exactly what is abnormal for nitration since so many labs use different metrics. I would call the lab and ask what they would consider abnormal. Given what I know about the ACERTs, I would check ventilation. I know there was an update as some point for those engines, and lack of ventilation can cause nitration.

 

crankcase. IIRC ACERT engines have some sort of update for the rocker cover adding ventilation. It may not be an issue to begin with.

 

Also adding to, the great comments already listed you must test using same oil brand, and same lab to get a comparable result.

I'm certainly no lab guy, but the nitration level would get my attention as well. The soot increase, and oxidation seem to confirm the nitration number. I'd send copy to Cat, see what their standards are, in mean time watch MPG till next sample. And follow allan5oh advice also.

 

Also with the hot weather you will always see an increase in nitration and oxidation.

 

I would tend to agree with that. Heat can really beat up an oil and cause increase in oxidation. The key, is that the add pack is not falling apart and the wear numbers on metals are not into alert status. Never, but never, base any conclusions on only one or two items looking goofy. And trend lines are important. Watching how things do over time.

 

Could be a lot of idle time causing it to.