[Loki99]

So I just had my 2nd oil analysis done, I have 13,000 miles on the Rotella T6 Synthetic 5w-40, using Mobil 1 Extended Performance Oil Filters. The report was mostly good, saying that the wear was equal to 6,900 miles on the oil.

However they were recommending I do an oil change as copper made a big jump from 2ppm to 22ppm. Which I plan on doing this weekend.

So my question is: What is wearing in my engine that would spike the copper like that, (I was thinking maybe Turbo Bearings?) and what can I do to minimize this wear?

TIA.

 

[Shainer]

Copper is not good. Could be any number of bearings. How is your oil pressure?

 

[SPOOLITUP]

Copper is found in bearings under babbitt. Babbitt good, copper bad. I'm sure there are more causes. Someone will chime in

 

[Loki99]

Oil Pressure seems to be good. Gauge goes right up at start up. I'll have to keep a closer eye on it though.

 

[Loki99]

Interesting reading on the Babbit Metal bearings... is that metal used in the bearings in our engines?

 

[donald73d]

Oil cooler? You would typically need to have some dirt in the oil to wear the bearings. Isn't there a very thin layer of molybdenum over the copper? How is the silicon? What was the TBN?

 

[SPOOLITUP]

Interesting reading on the Babbit Metal bearings... is that metal used in the bearings in our engines?

I was under the impression all stock style (OEM) bearings used Babbitt?? Maybe I'll learn something with you.

 

[Loki99]

Oil cooler? You would typically need to have some dirt in the oil to wear the bearings. Isn't there a very thin layer of molybdenum over the copper? How is the silicon? What was the TBN?

Silicon is 10ppm up from 7ppm on the first analysis. TBN is still 7.3 so its still in good shape, still the jump in copper has me wondering if I shouldn't switch oil. :confused013:

 

[nickg]

most oil sample reports will indicate if there is an issue or suggest possible causes, if there was cause for alarm the pers who did your report should indicate this to you. if there is only a rise in copper and no other metals, I would suspect you dont have any issues. post the entire report for others to look at.

I also believe that in higher mileage engines the oil cooler will leach metals into the oil, just cant remember if its copper or lead readings that will spike

 

[Loki99]

I was under the impression all stock style (OEM) bearings used Babbitt?? Maybe I'll learn something with you.

If that's the case where is the copper coming from?

 

[Loki99]

most oil sample reports will indicate if there is an issue or suggest possible causes, if there was cause for alarm the pers who did your report should indicate this to you. if there is only a rise in copper and no other metals, I would suspect you dont have any issues. post the entire report for others to look at.

I also believe that in higher mileage engines the oil cooler will leach metals into the oil, just cant remember if its copper or lead readings that will spike

Truck has almost 140,000 on it now. Does that qualify for higher mileage?

Here's the Comments with the report:

Wear generally increased in this second sample from your Silver Truck, but that's expected
considering how long you've run this oil. Universal averages show typical wear for the Cummins 5.9L engine
after ~6,900 miles of oil use, and you've gone nearly twice as long. Most wear went up proportionately, but
copper made a big jump up to 22 ppm. That could show excess wear at a brass/bronze part. Silicon may
show dirt, though it's only a few ppm higher than before. The TBN was good at 7.3, but with this increased
wear, it'd probably be good to switch this oil out soon.

 

[SPOOLITUP]

If that's the case where is the copper coming from?

There is a thin layer of Babbit that is the "useable" or consumable part of the bearing. It is placed over the copper part of the bearing. Thats why coppers bad, the "meat" of the bearing is gone and your into the shell. I doubt yur case is that extreme with no noises and good pressure. I'm sure there's a bearing guru who will pipe up shortly

 

[Loki99]

Ah I get it now, thanks for the explanation.

 

[donald73d]

high copper

If your copper is from bearings, they are toast. I would suggest you send another sample of same oil to http://www.dysonanalysis.com/Dyson_Analysis/Welcome.html. Terry is the man. Too expensive to use every time but when you need an expert, go to Terry. Also I assume you used Blackstone?

 

[ncsucarjock88]

Ouch. I"m running Mobil 1 5w-40 diesel synthetic. First test at 5000 miles, was all within new tolerances. At 10k, sent in another sample and had added two quarts of oil during that period. Numbers were identical again... I had dumped that oil and changed it. About to send in another sample now - almost 10k on the new oil, but planning on keeping it longer than that. I'm running a CarQuest Blue box filter (Wix)... Been very happy with the durability of the M1 oil. Can't wait to see what this next sample looks like.

 

[donald73d]

Ouch. I"m running Mobil 1 5w-40 diesel synthetic. First test at 5000 miles, was all within new tolerances. At 10k, sent in another sample and had added two quarts of oil during that period. Numbers were identical again... I had dumped that oil and changed it. About to send in another sample now - almost 10k on the new oil, but planning on keeping it longer than that. I'm running a CarQuest Blue box filter (Wix)... Been very happy with the durability of the M1 oil. Can't wait to see what this next sample looks like.

I hope you are getting the TBN? If you want TBN (and you should want it) then Polaris labs is cheaper than Blackstone and you don't have to read the useless Blackstone comments.

 

[Loki99]

I'm going to just change the oil today, will stick with the Rotella T6 and then get another UOA in about 3000 miles. That way I can see if the trend is continuing and if so will make a plan of attack from there.

Thanks to all who replied.