Oil sample help

Iron is high, Detroit condemnation limit is 150ppm, (I think), and your TBN is depleted. I would change this oil, I'm wondering how much money you think you're saving by running an OCI of this length? Go price an inframe and ask yourself if saving a few hundred is worth spending 15 thousand....

 

I notice there's no testing for acidity, why not?

 

The sample looks really good, aside from the lack of a TAN number. Iron is high, but considering the mileage on the oil, it's relatively low. All other wear numbers look good, lead might be a little high, but the OCI is way up there at 250k. I'm curious as to how many miles you have on the engine?

 

Keep in mind that the lab you're using for UOA's is also the same people who manufactured and market your bypass unit. If I'm wrong about that, then disregard this post. If I'm right, then keep in mind that they may have a marketing interest in having you run your OCI's out to really extended intervals. In other words, they get bragging rights and the oil samples to help them market their unit, while you take the risks of running way over oe specs. Something, you might find interesting, see if you can find an oil company website that gives mileage numbers on just how long an "extended drain interval" their product is good for. They'll all tell you, "it's possible" to extend you drain interval, but won't go on record with any numbers, that should tell you something.

That sample is impressive, my concern is the risk/reward factor. At 250k on that oil, I'd definitely want a TAN#, (total acid number). Acids are created in the combustion process, and acids cause damage to seals and gaskets, you'll want to keep an eye on the TAN numbers.

After saying all that, I myself see no reason not to set an OCI of 250k, other than the iron being high, but iron tracks with time, (mileage), and is relative. Most people are going to want to dump the sump before iron gets to 60-70 ppm. (Some sooner, others later)

 

Ok. I think your sample looked great, Iron is high, but not unusual considering the mileage. Me? I'd change it personally, but my decision would be a cost based decision, at 250k on the oil I'd have gotten my monies worth out of that oil long ago...

 

Sample looks great . No reason to change it. Unless you have money to burn. If you really want to freshen it up just drain a few extra gallons and top it off.

 

As trees stated, I would be concerned that TAN is also not run to determine the total acid number of the oil. While having a TBN of 4.x is not bad in and of itself, it is really bad if the TAN has also gotten to a level of 4. As oil is used, the TBN drops and the TAN rises. When they meet, the oil needs to be changed.

I also took note of the fuel dilution. Seems a little high to me, but you need to check the Volvo engine lubrication manual and see at what limits they put things. Detroit has a 2.5 fuel dilution limit on their 60 series engines, and other brand have their limits as well.

 

I don't get TAN either, as long as base is good... fuel dilution of 2% is like zero with Polaris now with more sensitive equipment. They should make a point of clarifying that.