Hi All,

Just got back my first report from Blackstone labs. Below is the summary statement from Blackstone.

"This engine came up reading perfect in all tests except for fuel dilution. At 2.5%, the fuel is high enough to suspect a fuel injector issue, though with wear looking so good, it's hard to make that call for sure after just one sample. The fuel is helping lower the viscosity down, but engine would drop it down to a 30W oil even without any fuel present, and this isn't a major deal. Universal averages show normal wear from the 6.0L after about 5K miles, so you are doing very well from a wear perspective. Oil filtration is excellent. Check back to monitor fuel."

Here's some information about the vehicle.
1. 2004 Excursion - Engine build date of December 2003
2. Mileage = 108,000
3. Fuel = Currently running 5% bio with stanadyne performance.
4. I've had the vehicle for 20K miles. Zero issues.
5. The oasis report did not show any injector issues previously reported.
6. I get a little puff of white smoke on a cold day as well as a little but of chugging. It's generally gone in 15 seconds or less.
7. I'm a first time diesel owner but to me it seems to be running great. Smooth and consistant, has good power.
8. No tuners or performance mods installed with the exception of a K&N filter which was on it when I bought it.

So the question I have is what are the portential causes allowing fuel in the oil?

What tests are available?

How much damage can fuel in the oil cause at the amounts I'm showing?

Thanks in advance for any input.

Gregg

 

My first question is: Was the oil HOT when you changed it and did you catch your sample in midstream of the oil drain? Cold oil change can cause an increased reading in fuel dilution from what I've read.

 

The engine was hot. I had run it for about 20 miles prior to the oil change.

The sample was taken during mid change as recommended by Blackstone.

Thanks,
Gregg

 

Have you had it code scanned to see if you have an injector code, which wouldn't necessarily indicate a fuel related injector failure? Honestly I don't think you have anything to worry about. I'd run it at least one more oil change and have it analyzed before I did anything repair wise unless you get a sudden rise in your oil level.

 

If you do a lot of idling (warm ups) then this can add to the dilution issue. I would also put that K&N filter out on trash pickup day, after you went back to the stock system. I cut down my winter idling and the results went from 2% down to .5% I would also like to note since you mentioned this EX is a 1st. time purchase of a diesel vehicle the importance in maintaining scheduled upkeep.

 

The Ex did do a lot of idling this winter. It wasn't uncommon that it would run for 15 - 20 minutes prior to being driven due to the cold weather.

I have been diligent about the maintenace. Had every fluid in it replaced when I bought it and did 5K intervals on the dyno up until winter and did 7K on the Synthetic.

Assuming your idling theory is true the next report should show little to no fuel since we haven't been idling it much at all recently.

Thanks for the input.

 

There really is no reason to idle for more then a minute or 2, the only way to reach operating temp is to drive it. Keep the RPM's under 2,000 when you start out cold until you see the temp needle move some. On a day when the outside temp is in the 20's it takes my truck 8 miles of driving to get up to temp.

 

The primary reason for extended idling is so that the wife and kids get into a warm vehicle. This vehicle servers as our grocery getter / school bus.

 

If it's morning starts that require immediate heat I would suggest plugging the block heater in on a timer for a few hours before departing.

 

Then do a "High Idle Mod". Your EGR system will like you better and so will your CFO.

 

What is a CFO? Pardon my ignorance. Maybe just brain dead today.

 

I am guessing "Chief Financial Officer" (mine would be the little woman)

 

Very true.
Chief Financial Officer, Wife.
I get to say I am the "Boss" of our household because my wife gave me permission to.

 

I wear the pants in my house!!!!!!!! (my wife picks them out)