Oil Test Back From Lab (now what)
 

So I just got my third Test Back and I see that Lead is Up from 35ppm to 51 ppm. This brings me to the question what part in my OM602 is lead? Could this be the fuel additives that I use from time to time? I use Red line and Slick Diesel. :confused: The Oil is AMSOIL 15w40

Engine bearings have lead in them. I don't know about the additives but it seems like lead in the additives would be illegal.

Right you are, lead is from the bearings.
There is no reason for lead in diesel fuel, it was used in gas to prevent pinging. I don't know how that worked but it lowered the tendency towards pre-ignition when engines had no electronics and carburetors were used.

Blackstone will tell you in their narrative comments about bearings or ring wear if they spot a high level of metals in the oil. I got that msg from them when I had oil checked on an '87 300D turbo.
On my next project car I had the head off (well, it came without one, long story) so I decided to remove a piston because of a score mark in one cylinder. The metal on one ring was worn away and it left a sort of shell appearance on that ring, visual indication of missing metal. I wound up re-ringing the engine. No need to have an oil analysis if you have the engine apart you can see where metal has worn, and that goes into suspension in the oil its too fine to get caught in the filter media.
Oil tests are good for indicating the fact that metal has worn from the bearings or rings but theres' littel that can be done to prevent the wear, other than using the right oil (I use Amsoil HD 15W40 in the 603 engines) and maybe even warming the engine up before heavy use (I never do unless in freezing temps).
Oil tests confirm whether wear that is occurring is becoming excessive, this helps you make plans to do major repairs before things get so bad that the cylinder walls are scored or the bottom end starts making noises.

I was hoping that this was something simple to correct, I guess I will just have to see what the next report reads. The interval this time was longing, I was trying to optimize my change intervals. I think I will back it down to 7000. My driving is 84 miles a day 50% interstate driving.
I also though I would attach the details in case someone would like to see the details.

I notice that you ran a longer interval this time. That MIGHT constitute the larger amount of lead present (I also noticed copper is going up too).

I guess run 7k like you said and see if the numbers return to their old ways :)

Lead in gasoline was used to prevent valve wear. after lead was removed valves and seats had to be totaly redisigned.
7,000?? try bringing the interval down to 4k.

danny

If the levels were fine at 7,000miles then he should go back to that..not 4,000...otherwise it defeats the purpose of doing oil analysis and getting the most from your oil.

Also what else would he compare to in order to see if the levels are actaully on the rise or not at 4k?

Stay with 7.

Note: the high lead test was done with over 9k on the oil.

Tetraethyl lead was used as an antiknock additive. It dramatically boosted the octane rating, allowing higher compression ratios to be used.

Yes, lead deposited on the valve seats also reduced valve and seat wear, but I don't think that was the reason that TEL was introduced.

The mileage on the vehicle in the prior test was 92,625 if I read the analysis correctly.

The mileage on the vehicle for the current test is 113,099 if I read the analysis correctly.

Is there some mistake in these two readings?

What's the total mileage on this oil?

I also note that the soot is at 2%, much higher than the previous readings. Although 2% is generally considered the limit for most oils, personally, I want the soot to be less than 1%.

The 603 runs .8% with 5,000 mile changes.

I've raised it to 6,000 miles and will confirm the soot percentage soon. Hopefully it will stay less than 1%.

Much ado about nothing
 

I'll never understand why you guys go thru all this. Isn't there something else to worry about? Oil is cheap...Change it and the filter every 3-4k with good oil and a quaility filter and move on. You're not dealing with huge marine engines or locomotives so what are the benifits of having your oil tested? So your lead goes up from 35ppm to 51ppm...big woop! You're talking about 16 parts per million. Are you going to tear the motor down because of an oil analysis?

I don't mean to sound hostle but I just don't see the point.

With synthetic oil, there is some leeway in determining the change interval. The decision is based upon a specific engine with a specific driving pattern. One 617 engine may require a change at 5K. Another 617 may be able to go 7K with the same soot percentage.

Only an oil analysis can determine this.

Naturally, if you have unlimited funds, simply put synthetic oil in the engine every 3K and you'll be golden.

I disagree.
He's been changing at excessively long intervals and now he's wondering why the lead concentration is so high.

Change it hot and change it often.

danny

You disagree with what?

Tetraethyl lead
 

I've been brewing my own high octane gasoline for about 30 years now. I crack off the lightest five to seven percent of the RUG and add 6.5 to 7.4 grams of tetraethyl lead to get an octane rating of 112 to 115. This slows the flame spread in the combustion chamber and allows higher compression and more overall advanced ignition timing without pre-ignition or "detonation".

The lubricating properties were/are just a side benefit.

And Kids.... DON'T try this at home, eh?

Exactly!

What's an oil change cost ya...$30.00? If I change the oil in my desel every 3k, its a cost of $.01 a mile. What are you guys worrying about?