Fuel in my oil
08-01-2023, 07:55 PM
#1
Fuel in my oil
Hey all.
04.5 2500, NV5600 186,000 miles stock power
I was changing my oil recently and pulled a sample. It's been 4 or 5 oil changes since my last sample analysis.
I got my results and I'm just slightly worried.
Here's what they said:
"BERT: We only found one thing slightly out of line in the second oil sample from your Dodge Ram's diesel, and it was the flashpoint, which indicates a trace of fuel dilution. No worries, though. It can be from idling, low-rpm operation, or lots of city driving. As long as diesel fuel doesn't make up 2.0% or more of the sample, we are not concerned about a possible fuel system problem. Engine wear looks great at ~180k miles. Air and oil filtration (see silicon & insolubles) were normal and no coolant was present in the sample. If it weren't for fuel, this would be a "perfect" report."
I really haven't changed anything, including my driving habits, but now the fuel in the oil. My initial reaction is wait and see, but then my inner worrywart starts bugging me about it.
This is the first diesel I've owned, so just guessing at stuff. Could this be early warning signs of injector problems? We have a fairly long hard trip coming up before too long, pulling pretty heavy.
I'm looking forward to the ideas and thoughts from anybody who has them.
Cheers
Bert
04.5 2500, NV5600 186,000 miles stock power
I was changing my oil recently and pulled a sample. It's been 4 or 5 oil changes since my last sample analysis.
I got my results and I'm just slightly worried.
Here's what they said:
"BERT: We only found one thing slightly out of line in the second oil sample from your Dodge Ram's diesel, and it was the flashpoint, which indicates a trace of fuel dilution. No worries, though. It can be from idling, low-rpm operation, or lots of city driving. As long as diesel fuel doesn't make up 2.0% or more of the sample, we are not concerned about a possible fuel system problem. Engine wear looks great at ~180k miles. Air and oil filtration (see silicon & insolubles) were normal and no coolant was present in the sample. If it weren't for fuel, this would be a "perfect" report."
I really haven't changed anything, including my driving habits, but now the fuel in the oil. My initial reaction is wait and see, but then my inner worrywart starts bugging me about it.
This is the first diesel I've owned, so just guessing at stuff. Could this be early warning signs of injector problems? We have a fairly long hard trip coming up before too long, pulling pretty heavy.
I'm looking forward to the ideas and thoughts from anybody who has them.
Cheers
Bert
08-01-2023, 10:44 PM
#2
Registered User
My injectors went at 290,000km (180,000 mi) on my early '04 (305/555)
They simply started bypassing too much fuel so the rail pressure could not be built.
I actually think it was the fuel rail pressure sensor that may have caused the failure.
At any rate, I believe if you google it, you'll find you are in the ballpark for injector life expectancy.
Longer than "normal" crank times? any other symptoms?
They simply started bypassing too much fuel so the rail pressure could not be built.
I actually think it was the fuel rail pressure sensor that may have caused the failure.
At any rate, I believe if you google it, you'll find you are in the ballpark for injector life expectancy.
Longer than "normal" crank times? any other symptoms?
08-02-2023, 07:38 PM
#4
No other symptoms at all. The truck running great, and I change the oil at about 5000 miles.
I just thought of something today though... Since the last time I had it analyzed, I installed an exhaust brake that I use regularly just to save brake linings. Is there any possibility the added pressure in the combustion chambers is pushing a bit of fuel past the rings??
I have my doubts about that, but I wouldn't be surprised if a set of new injectors is in my future.
I just thought of something today though... Since the last time I had it analyzed, I installed an exhaust brake that I use regularly just to save brake linings. Is there any possibility the added pressure in the combustion chambers is pushing a bit of fuel past the rings??
I have my doubts about that, but I wouldn't be surprised if a set of new injectors is in my future.
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