A friend shared the results of an oil analysis he had done.

What is the source of calcium in engine oil? What does it mean that it's at higher levels than average? Molybdenum is also higher than average.

Thanks,
Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

Is it a desert car?

can you tell from the anlysis whether you're dealing with ions, like a calcium carbonate or some sort of molybdate?

If its molecular, not ionic moly then you're looking at some metal wear in the engine in some hardened steel. Like journal bearings?

Ca and Mo are high in deserts with Mo especially high in areas with lots of mine tailings. Dust, ubiquitos in desert wind, would be a great source for both.

The mechanic part I can't answer but I can give you some dumb speculation. What if there's an air-leak after or through the air filter and dust particles got into the engine? Wouldn't contaminants accumulate in the oil?

Or what if the owner puts desert water in the radiator water and you've got a tiny leak from the water jacket?

Talk about foil-hat speculation!

Bot

The car has spent its life in the SF Bay Area. Maybe a half dozen junkets to SoCal. The report lists calcium and molybdenum as line items. No more description than that. I'm sure it will make more sense in the context of the full report. I'm just curious to know how calcium comes to be in the oil unless it comes in the oil. Mobil 1 in this case.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

Well, I hope you wore your foil hat when you read my comments.

Is there a petroleum geochemist in the house?

I'll bet there's one or more here in the oil patch. If I can find one, I'll get back to you.

Bot

Calcium is present in virgin oil. Some oils have moly as an addative, some oils do not. If the engine was breathing a lot of desert sand it would show high level of silicon.

You can read postings of virgin oil analysis at: www.bobistheoilguy.com . Then look up some used oil analyses from similar oil and engine types to get a feel for what the readings should be. Or, just post the analysis over there and the members will comment on it.

__________________
Palangi

2004 C240 Wagon 203.261 Baby Benz
2008 ML320 CDI Highway Cruiser
2006 Toyota Prius, Saving the Planet @ 48 mpg
2000 F-150, Destroying the Planet @ 20 mpg



TRUMP .......... WHITEHOUSE
HILLARY .........JAILHOUSE
BERNIE .......... NUTHOUSE
0BAMA .......... OUTHOUSE

How much is an oil analysis? Where can I send off for one?

__________________
http://comp.uark.edu/~dmgill/signature.jpg

$20 for a regular analysis. I think $5 or $10 more for TBN.

Here's a quick link to explaination of analysis:

http://www.blackstone-labs.com/gasoline_diesel_report_expl.html

There is a button there where you can order a sampling kit.

__________________
Palangi

2004 C240 Wagon 203.261 Baby Benz
2008 ML320 CDI Highway Cruiser
2006 Toyota Prius, Saving the Planet @ 48 mpg
2000 F-150, Destroying the Planet @ 20 mpg



TRUMP .......... WHITEHOUSE
HILLARY .........JAILHOUSE
BERNIE .......... NUTHOUSE
0BAMA .......... OUTHOUSE