Is this something I should worry about? I had 378 ppm of Copper in my oil analysis back in Jan. and just received another report that I now have 760 ppm of Copper. I change my full flow filter every 7500 miles and add a quart of new oil to each, in addition I had changed by bypass filter back in Jan (one year old). Oil Analyzers say just to change my filters and everything should be okay. Would appreciate replies from anyone having this situation. Thanks!

 

Don't know about these diesels but in our Gasser race motors a high copper count in the oil would sometimes spell problems with the bearings in the motor..

Someone correct me if I'm wrong.. Not sure what else in the motor could cause high copper in the oil.

 

Before you get too wound up, send a sample off to another lab. I've seen false readings before. Just my $.02

 

I would be worried about bearings if it was showing a high level of tin also, he doesn't say what that was though. Is it ONLY copper that's high? Might be the oil cooler going south on you maybe?

 

Copper is the only reading that's not okay. Everything else is good.

 

WHOA!!!... Remember what oil analysis is for... to look for a "spike" or sudden rise in a wear metal over and above the "trend" that had been occuring in previous analysis... You didn't say what the copper reading was in the other previous analysis... but the normal copper limit is 20-30ppm... and your 2 consecutive readings of 378 (approx. 15 times the wear limit) and then over 760 (about 30 times the wear limit) are definitely cause of concern... I'm VERY surprised your analyst hasn't raised a flag and says "everything should be OK"...

But WHOA again... Your remark re "change the bypass filter every 7500 miles and adding a quart suggests you may be on one of those ridiculous programs of almost never changing oil or hyper extended intervals ???... I can tell you one of the synthetic firms pulled that stunt with a Detroit Diesel fleet out here in Medford, Oregon... wiped out every engine and paid for overhauling the entire fleet... TRUE STORY...

Tell me more... oil change history ?... Total mileage?... previous analysis results?...

Rest assured Sir, that copper is indeed coming off your engine innards... 1.) Most harmful and expensive possibility are the rod & main bearings and crankshaft thrust washers...... (the need to also see tin isn't true...) 2.)Cheapest possibility is erosion of the oil cooler...other copper sources are cam bearings, turbo bearings, and piston pin bushings...

Answer the questions above re change interval, history, mileage, previous analysis ASAP...

Also... 1.) Cut open the filter(s)... Spread open and wash the pleated paper with diesel or parts cleaner looking and feeling for metal particles... 2.) Have a sample of the brand new unused oil analyzed... some oils have been known to have copper based additive packages...3.) I don't mean to "cry wolf" but I might also recommend pulling out the oil cooler core, inspect and compare with a new core on the parts shelf... 4.) Also, dropping the pan, inspecting its bottom for metal, ... rolling out front, center, & rear main bearings and all the rod bearings for inspection now is cheaper then later wiping out the crankshaft and block... If no bearing damage is found, it was still well-spent money to know...

But first answer the above questions... Bottom line... Copper doesn originate all by itself... It has a source requiring discovery before it rears its ugly head in "scrap iron"...

 

I also run an extended change interval And also send my oil off to oil anaylisers to get done. I only run about 25k on my oil before I change it all together but I do not have the bypass setup yet. I change my full flow filter every 5k and add a quart. I have 30k on mine and haven't seen a problem yet. It does save money in the long run as long as you are not ruining the motor by going this route. I am an amsoil dealer and believe in supporting myself and my customers by running my own product. Let us know what you oil history is and total mileage is so we can get a better feel for what is going on. Also if you would like to visit a site that is moderated by some diehard amsoil guys go over to (freeautoadvise.com) and ask in the amsoil only section bob or al will get back to you right away!!!

 

underwoodtransp - Changed to Amsoil syn oil and bypass filter at approximately 21000 miles, had oil analyzed at 22000 miles with 975 miles on the oil and CU was 3 ppm. Have changed full flow filter every 7500 miles and added a fresh qt. of Amsoi each filter change. Replaced bypass filter after 12 months. 2nd oil sample at 13273 miles on oil, CU was 15 ppm. 3rd sample at 25460 miles on oil, CU 378 ppm, Oil Analyzers said "No corrective action required oil is suitable for continued use resample at next regular interval". 4th sample 36856 on oil, CU 760 ppm. Same statement from Oil Analyzers. I use Amsoil 15-W40 Heavy Duty Diesel and Marine Motor Oil (AME).

 

The reason I asked about the tin and other contents is because if it was bearings he would probably see higher tin and iron in his oil, if it was a wrist pin I would think he might be seeing elevated aluminum too? I was just trying to think what would cause ONLY the copper to be elevated.

 

now another question for you... How are you sampling your oil??? I installed a petcock on the top of the oil filter housing and use it.

 

I take the sample at my oil filler cap where I have my return from the bypass filter.

 

You might find this article interesting and it might explain why Oil Analyzers is saying the copper levels are okay.

http://www.practicingoilanalysis.com...up=OilAnalysis

One interesting thing I didn't know is that, according to this article, if you tear open your filter and don't see copper then the source is not from wear.