dfranks - I live just south of Bragg Creek but have all my truck work done in Calgary. Whereabouts in the city are you?

 

Whenever we have a sample come back in question like that we change the oil and retest. For all you know he took the sample out of a pan that he just changed someones atf into before you got there.

 

Just heard from my shop.

The oil we've been using is Penzoil/Quaker State 15w-40 long life diesel oil, but on the last oil change they used Shell Rotella T 15w-40.

The filter is a Purolator product # L45335

 

If I recall correctly, for a few bucks more you can send in a sample of the engine's oil and a sample of the new oil from the same lot as a base line...

 

I am in Deer Ridge (S.E.) Bow bottom and Canyon Meadows.

K, First off go to the cummins dealer at foothills industrial park, (it's in the phone book) and buy the Fleetguard Oil Filter LF 16035 oil filter it's an upgrade the the filter that came on your truck and Cummins recommends it. Purolater is trash. While at CUmmins pay $35bucks for their frequent shopper card and it gives you 10% off every purchase anywhere in North America.
Don't forget to pick up some fuel filters (fleetguard 19800-E) while you are there and I will show you how to change one of thos in 5mins or less.
PM and I will you send my cell number and we can work out when you need some help.
BTW Shell rotella is good oil.

 

I see that the address on the OP's Blackstone invoice is in Indiana. Are you guys sending your samples that far?? I've never heard of a Blackstone lab in Calgary, but I just sent one off to AGAT here.

 

Changing oil brands can drastically change your UOA numbers too. Different additive packs and oil chemistries can dissolve oil films that have built up over time, especially if you've always used one type of oil, and then suddenly switch. If you look at bobistheoilguy.com, a lot of the testing experts there recommend that you don't test any used oil until you've had 3 changes with the same brand and weight. This is especially true if you use synthetic.

And as for timing boxes significantly increasing wear, IIRC our motors in marine tune put out something like 450 hp from the factory. That's what this motor is actually built to handle. DC had Cummins derate our motors so they didn't have warranty issues with trannies and drivelines. I seriously doubt that any chip or timing box would increase wear numbers. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

dFranks: That sounds good, I appreciate the help. I'm gone to Ontario tomorrow (Thursday), I'll PM you when I get back next week and see if we can work something out.

There's only the one Blackstone lab as far as I know - I used them because they seem to be very popular on this forum and they make it really easy to send the sample in - they send you a kit free of charge with the mailer and sample container, and only charge you when they're done the analysis. I also like the presentation of their sample form - with your averages and 'global' averages for that engine.

You should post an example of the AGAT analysis - if it's as user friendly I'll start using them.

 

That's good to know. Thanks for the info. I'm surprised those samples make it through customs consistently with no big delays or hassles; you know what those guys are like lately. Anyway, I'll try to post mine after I get it.

 

Wha choo say? I ran levels 7 to 9 with the TST timing advanced on top for over a year on my '03 and never had any unusual wear. Good power, though...

I think your engine would be making ugly noises if timing was causing damage.

 

I agree with JCLeary

I've been running advanced timing for at least 90,000 miles. Even then the 3rd gen does not knock like my old first gen. Timing is not the issue.

Do another sample before you worry.

 

Just got my second analysis back. I guess I didn't need to be too worried. Good thing - I love this truck!

Thanks for all the help and advice guys


Link to larger picture

 

Go to Any Cat Dealer and get your oil sample bottles from them, $20-30 a test.
Finnings labs are called SOS, you can go online and see what they are all about from the Cat website. They do a great job, they are local to Alberta They have one lab in Edmonton and I think one in FT Mac. I have visited the one in Edmonton and it was kinda cool to see how they test the samples.

Turnaround is with in a week if not sooner.

I recommend doing the samples yourself. If your changing your oil when you do it, just remove the drain plug let it pour out for a second then scoop the sample bottle under the flow. Put the cap back on and clean the bottle.

If your running extended drain inervals and do not have one of those fancy bypass filters with a test port I reccomend you get a EX Drain, sure drain etc. This way you can use the drain under control to gain a sample.

Using the dipstick meathod can cause bad readings because of crud that collects in the dipstick itself. I know most of the shops do it this way but I have seen to many errors and retests through this meathod.

Never panic when you get a bad reading on your oil. If you are about to have an catastrophic failure the sampling company should inform you to stop using your engine immeidatly. SOS does.
but if it is bad readings gain another sample and resend.
Good luck glad to hear your second sample was good.

 

This is what I did with the last sample. Who knows how the first sample was taken - I will supervise them or take them myself from now on.

I will continue to use Blackstone for now - I like the report format and the sample containers and mailers they supply for free are easy to use and ship. My turnaround time was about 10 days even shipping across the border.

 

MikeT Is that just the standard test that they do or did you order any other tests? I'm looking to send in a sample for extended oil change, using amsoil 5w40. TIA