Just got my first oil analysis from Blackstone - what do you guys make of this?



The truck has done no heavy hauling and has been well maintained, so I don't know why the bearings would be wearing. The comments mentioned that no harmfull contaminants were found, so what's going on with my motor ??

Could this be due to a bad sample? If the tech forgot to take a mid-stream sample and just pulled it out of the bucket afterwards could that account for the high levels?

Here's a linked thumbnail for the full-sized image.

 

My second question is, if the sample was good and the analysis is correct, how big of a job is it to replace the bearings? Is it dooable or is my motor essentially toast?

 

That is a little troubling....but my advice is to take your own samples. There is a proper way to take them. I think there may be a possibility that there was some tech error, but there are other factors. What kind of oil and filter did you use? Was there any work done on the engine during that interval? Did you run the oil level low? Did you make a sudden change to a different oil?
Has the oil been changed?

 

I'm embarrased to say I don't know the type of oil and filter - I have it done at my local shop. The intervals are around 7000km (~4350 miles). I haven't had any engine work done and the oil level never really changes.

I'll be taking it back in at the end of the month and I'll supervise the sample taking this time.

 

Take the sample from the dipstick tube while the engine is still hot. You can get the pump, line, and bottles from a local cat dealer. They usually keep them in stock I don't recall the price but I think it was $46 for the last little pump I bought. We do oil analysis before we have the oil changed to extend our drain intervals.

 

That is a little alarming...

If the crank and rod bearings really are wearing out, I'd think that would call for a full rebuild, or crate engine, but I don't think I'd loose any sleep until I got the next report back.

What oil are you using?

 

This was mine, but after changing my oil at 13,000 miles (20,900Km) for your reference.

 

Running chips in advance timing mode puts extreme pressure on pistons as they cross TDC. This in turn causes cyl wear (iron) and bearing wear(copper/lead) to result. Don't have so much fun!!!!!

 

Since you did not take the sample, take it for what it is worth, a sample of unknown oil. Pull a sample yourself and send it in, if the results are the same then it is time to worry. Who knows where the oil came from, he may have forgot to pull a sample and grabbed a sample from who knows where.

It is possible that you are experiencing excessive wear but even in that case a second sample is a must to confirm, and be sure to pull it yourself. There are several trucks running around with severe mods and high mileage and no excessive wear, so re-sample and sleep good until those results come back.

-Seeder

 

What is advance timing mode - is that active with the Smarty JR or the pressure box I'm running?

Good advice, thanks Seeder.

 

Advanced timing mode would be running the odd # sw on Smarty that adds additional timing. I wouldn't say it was an issue unles you are running higher levels constantly.

 

Does that apply to Smarty JR? There are only 3 levels on the JR.

 

The CR engines have retarded timing for emission reasons. Most programmers and or boxes bring back the timing to where it should be. Heck, the 12v's are probably running more timing than these programmers/boxes can produce.

I'm inclined to believe it's either a botched sample collection or the wrong oil is being used.

MikeyB

 

If you are anywhere around Calgary, Come over to my place and I will show you how to take a sample. I do my own and send em off to Blackstone so I am pro at it.
Here's a linked thumbnail for the full-sized image.

 

I have been runing SW#3 for 15k now with an OA at 14K no problems at all.
In fact I will be right on par with my 25K oil change in October.
I agree with our timing being too far retarded to begin with.