What does lead in engine oil mean?
bearing wear
Typically, when copper and lead are present in an oil analysis report, it is an indication of bearing wear. Determining whether it is justified to remove the engine and rebuild will require further investigation. Just one oil sample rarely provides enough information to make a diagnosis.
Does engine oil have lead?
These metals originate from the fuel and from motor wear. Used oil contains high concentrations of lead, zinc, calcium, barium, and magnesium along with lower concentrations of iron, sodium, copper, aluminium, chromium, manganese, potassium, nickel, tin, silicon, boron, and molybdenum (Vasquez- Duhalt 1989).
What causes engine oil copper?
For new engines with less than 1,500 hours of service life, the cooler core becomes an active reaction site for the ZDDP, resulting in copper sulfides forming on the copper cooler tubes. These sulfides later slough off into the oil, contributing to a rising copper concentration than can reach well over 300 ppm.
Why oil samples are taken from an engine?
By analyzing a sample of used engine oil, you can determine the amount of contamination, the wear rates and overall condition of your engine. The real benefit of an oil analysis is that it acts as an early warning system, alerting you to potential problems before they become an equipment failure.
What does an oil sample tell you?
Oxidation, fuel dilution, copper, lead, potassium, aluminum, iron and so much more. Used engine oil analysis not only reveals elements and conditions that can help fleets maximize oil life, it also can provide warnings of an upcoming engine failure.
What do oil samples tell you?
What should I look for in an oil sample?
When first reviewing a used oil analysis report it is important to look at many of the key indicators, like base number (BN), acid number (AN), viscosity, oxidation, fuel soot per cent and fuel dilution per cent as well as wear metals.
Does oil dissolve lead?
Lead dissolved in oil frequently precipitates although considerable lead may be dissolved in oil, up to 45% [34, pp. 23–75].
Does Motor oil corrode copper?
Controlling the Corrosion of Copper Alloys in Engine Oil Formulations: Antiwear, Friction Modifier, Dispersant Synergy 2002-01-2767. Decomposition products containing reactive sulfur can result in the corrosion of copper alloys.
Is copper used in engines?
An average motorized farm vehicle uses 63 pounds of copper, while construction vehicles use an average 66 pounds. More than 16,000 pounds (8 tons) of copper is used in the latest and most-powerful locomotives manufactured by General Electric Company and General Motors Corporation.
What are the three 3 methods for taking an oil sample?
Three sampling procedures commonly associated with engine oil sampling include: sampling a pressurized line before the system filter; using a drop tube in the dipstick tube; and procuring a sample midstream from a drain port while draining the engine.
What does high silicon in engine oil analysis mean?
If normal wear patterns combine with high silicon readings, there are two main possibilities: (1) a silicone sealant, grease or additive is in use, and (2) accidental contamination of the sample. Action to be taken: Check if an additive, grease or sealant has been used recently on this engine.
What causes an increase in lead in oil?
Another form of a harmless increase in lead may be seen due to the use of a lead-based anti-seize compound during reassembly, as any excess will dissolve into the oil as well. In engine oil samples, lead may appear from the use of aftermarket fuel additives like octane boosters, but this should not be viewed as an increase due to mechanical wear.
When is it necessary to open an engine after receiving an oil analysis result?
In your experience, when is it necessary to open an engine (whether gas or diesel) after having received an oil analysis report?” Typically, when copper and lead are present in an oil analysis report, it is an indication of bearing wear. Determining whether it is justified to remove the engine and rebuild will require further investigation.
Which is CIMAC recommendation for used engine oil analysis?
The CIMAC Working Group Marine Lubricants has developed the Recommendation for Used Oil Analysis. This CIMAC Recommendation describes the oil analysis process and gives information about each analysed parameter.