Had an oil analysis done on the CAT 3208 in my Wanderlodge. Came back normal except the aluminum levels were double (8 instead of the average 4). This was noted in the report but they had no explanation except to comment that aluminum usually comes from pistons but since all other metal levels were normal, they didn't think there was a problem.
Anyone have any interesting speculations about the cause?
Engine is a CAT remanufactured non-turbo with an aftermarket turbo and approx 35k on the engine. I'm wondering if the high aluminum levels might be connected with the fact that I don't think this engine has the piston oil cooling spray jets.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

A couple ppm on one test is not a big deal. For the most part you are looking for trends, or signs of an issue (fuel dilution, excessive Si from an air leak, glycol or water in the oil, etc). 8ppm Al with all other wear metals normal is nothing to worry about.

Having said that...

What oil are you using?

Maybe something with a large dose of Moly (like Schaeffer's) will help. More that a few guys have helped lower their soft metal wear numbers using Schaeffer's S-9000 5W-40 diesel oil.

If you don't want to go full synthetic, they make a great blend, S-7000 15W-40. BTW, I have no financial stake in Schaeffer's, but I do use their oil.

The moly can help reduce piston scuffing, which could lower your Al result.

Some folks actully put a moly coating on piston skirts to reduce scuffing.

If (and we don't know this) your Al is from piston scuffing, it could be caused by overheating, or insufficient clearances.

Do you know if this engine has ever been overheated, especially during the OCI you tested?

Tim

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2009 VW TDI Jetta Sportwagon 172k miles (rear-ended harder than Elton John on 8/4/13. Total loss)

1991 Volvo 240 142k miles (T-boned by a stop sign runner. Total loss)

Shell rotella synthetic 5-40. No overheating but some hot days of driving across Nebraska when the electric fan clutch was kicking in at about 190 degrees and bringing it back down to 180.

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13