Oil Analysis
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 413
Likes: 1
From: Tennessee
Oil Analysis
I had my first oil analysis done and the only two things that were in the red were fuel, at only 3%, versus a 2% or lower recommendation, and potassium, at 51 ppm, with a universal average of all 6.4's they've tested coming in at 13 ppm. I havent noticed any coolant loss, although my degass bottle likes to stay below the min line. No spewing under the hood or inside the bottle, and if I dont add any coolant to the bottle to bring it up to the min line, it stays right above the tee outlet. If I fill it up to the min line, over the course of an oil fill it will go down to the top of the tee outlet again. Dealer says thats normal, I disagree. What could be causing this? And is 51 ppm versus an average of 13 ppm enough for me to be overly concerned?
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 682
Likes: 4
From: Ontario Canada
Thats good to know i think these engines eat coolant and ford knows it but wont say cause it is like a major engine job if they do.. when i get my truck back hopefully this week i will take my first sample and send it out to blackstone asap. the truck has been in the ford shop since jan 4 10.
koboss
koboss
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
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From: Isanti, MN
How many miles are on the oil?
3% is actually pretty good for these engines. I've seen many who post around 5% fuel dilution after 5,000 miles, and some post as high as 10% after 10,000 miles. I'm not real sure about the potassium but my truck seems to do the same thing yours does with the coolant level. It seems to like staying just below the bottom line.
3% is actually pretty good for these engines. I've seen many who post around 5% fuel dilution after 5,000 miles, and some post as high as 10% after 10,000 miles. I'm not real sure about the potassium but my truck seems to do the same thing yours does with the coolant level. It seems to like staying just below the bottom line.
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 413
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From: Tennessee
6100 miles on the oil, Shell Rotella 5w-40 Syn. My coolant does the same and constantly uses down to the tee hole. Im starting to feel this cavitation might be happening or the egr coolers. Question is, how bad does it have to get for Ford to do something? 51 ppm doesnt sound like alot, but when all 6.4L's Blackstone tests come back with 13 ppm of potassium (coolant) then it makes you wonder how much has to be there for Ford to actually do anything?
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 738
From: Isanti, MN
Not too sure if there's a set limit for acceptable potassium in the oil. What are your sodium readings? I always thought that sodium was the typical indicator for coolant getting into your oil.
Can you can and post your oil analysis sheet?
Can you can and post your oil analysis sheet?
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 413
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From: Tennessee
Nope Tom, its potassium. Sodium levels were right on the money at 4 ppm, which ironically is right where it should be and is also their universal average of all 6.4L's they've tested so far. My scanner is on the blink now.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 932
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From: Edmond, OK
My Blackstone dated 1/19/09 shows 2.5% fuel dilution for 5,600 miles drain of Rotella T 5W40 Synthetic. I have aluminum and iron at 20 & 52 vs. universal averages of 12 & 30; probably from diesel washing oil off of cylinders. I have previously used Titan Labs for analysis and have switched to Blackstone.
MI Alum Iron Fuel
10K 40 122 Neg; drain of factory fill
20K 22 81 Pos; drain of Mobil Delvac 1 ESP
30K 17 71 Pos; drain of Rotella T Synthetic
40K 25 53 Neg; drain of Rotella T Synthetic
45K 20 52 2.5%; drain of Rotella T Synthetic
Incidently my report showed my potassium at 18; but indicated universal average of 12 vs. 13 on your report.
My coolant has dropped about 1" over a year. No observable leaks found.
My exhaust tips were like new first 18K miles then turned black (all normal per dealer)
.
Bob
MI Alum Iron Fuel
10K 40 122 Neg; drain of factory fill
20K 22 81 Pos; drain of Mobil Delvac 1 ESP
30K 17 71 Pos; drain of Rotella T Synthetic
40K 25 53 Neg; drain of Rotella T Synthetic
45K 20 52 2.5%; drain of Rotella T Synthetic
Incidently my report showed my potassium at 18; but indicated universal average of 12 vs. 13 on your report.
My coolant has dropped about 1" over a year. No observable leaks found.
My exhaust tips were like new first 18K miles then turned black (all normal per dealer)
.Bob
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 413
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From: Tennessee
Thanks Bob. Just trying to see what others here have found. I emailed Blackstone asking how much 51 ppm would equate to but havent heard back. My mileage is at 42000, and I want to get this straightened out before my warranty goes. I never thought about my coolant getting into the oil before the report. I had filled up my degass bottle a few times, but it kept going back down to the level of the tee opening. I asked a mechanic at the dealership and he said that it was normal and not to worry about it. I guess I cant trust what he says anymore. I wish I would have asked cheezit. He's a mechanic I think and seems to know a great deal about these things and he shoots straight. Oh well, live and learn. Thanks for your post. Looks like youre one of the lucky ones whos motor doesnt like to drink the sweet stuff.
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 617
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From: Washington,KS/Lincoln,NE
Yep! That's really lame. I'm at 50 K and still have clean exhaust tips.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 1
my last analysis---
Universal averages show normal wear after 4,700 miles of oil use. We’re guessing this is the second
oil out of your new 6.4L so the high wear metals and silicon are expected. The metals are from new parts
breaking-in and the silicon is from sand-casted parts plus lubes and sealers that were used at the factory.
Look for improvements after future oil changes as your diesel matures. The oil's viscosity was normal for a
5W/40-grade. 1.0% of the sample was fuel likely from idling/city driving. Soot was present but not at high
levels. No coolant was found in this oil.
ALUMINUM 22
CHROMIUM 3
IRON 84
COPPER 7
LEAD 5
TIN 2
MOLYBDENUM 47
NICKEL 2
SILVER 0
TITANIUM 0
POTASSIUM 71
BORON 29
SILICON 34
SODIUM 6
CALCIUM 1423
MAGNESIUM 734
PHOSPHORUS 1037
ZINC 1206
BARIUM 1
Universal averages show normal wear after 4,700 miles of oil use. We’re guessing this is the second
oil out of your new 6.4L so the high wear metals and silicon are expected. The metals are from new parts
breaking-in and the silicon is from sand-casted parts plus lubes and sealers that were used at the factory.
Look for improvements after future oil changes as your diesel matures. The oil's viscosity was normal for a
5W/40-grade. 1.0% of the sample was fuel likely from idling/city driving. Soot was present but not at high
levels. No coolant was found in this oil.
ALUMINUM 22
CHROMIUM 3
IRON 84
COPPER 7
LEAD 5
TIN 2
MOLYBDENUM 47
NICKEL 2
SILVER 0
TITANIUM 0
POTASSIUM 71
BORON 29
SILICON 34
SODIUM 6
CALCIUM 1423
MAGNESIUM 734
PHOSPHORUS 1037
ZINC 1206
BARIUM 1
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: No. California
My first oil sample at 7200 miles, '09. Fuel level was at 1.7%, Potassium at 26, no visible loss in coolant. Metals were high but breaking it in. Silicon 63, Aluminum at 29, witch could be dirt entry.
Next sample I hope levels go down.
Next sample I hope levels go down.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, TN
Anyone know if a sample will "break down" so to speak after time. I had a sample pulled at my last oil change, but it's been about 3 months ago. I intended to send it right away, but forgot about it? Your thoughts are appreciated.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 738
From: Isanti, MN
Originally Posted by Blackstone FAQ
Q: I took a sample three months ago and forgot to send it in. It's been on a shelf in my garage ever since. Can I still send it in? Will the results still be good?
A: Should be fine.
A: Should be fine.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 413
Likes: 1
From: Tennessee
my last analysis---
Universal averages show normal wear after 4,700 miles of oil use. We’re guessing this is the second
oil out of your new 6.4L so the high wear metals and silicon are expected. The metals are from new parts
breaking-in and the silicon is from sand-casted parts plus lubes and sealers that were used at the factory.
Look for improvements after future oil changes as your diesel matures. The oil's viscosity was normal for a
5W/40-grade. 1.0% of the sample was fuel likely from idling/city driving. Soot was present but not at high
levels. No coolant was found in this oil.
ALUMINUM 22
CHROMIUM 3
IRON 84
COPPER 7
LEAD 5
TIN 2
MOLYBDENUM 47
NICKEL 2
SILVER 0
TITANIUM 0
POTASSIUM 71
BORON 29
SILICON 34
SODIUM 6
CALCIUM 1423
MAGNESIUM 734
PHOSPHORUS 1037
ZINC 1206
BARIUM 1
Universal averages show normal wear after 4,700 miles of oil use. We’re guessing this is the second
oil out of your new 6.4L so the high wear metals and silicon are expected. The metals are from new parts
breaking-in and the silicon is from sand-casted parts plus lubes and sealers that were used at the factory.
Look for improvements after future oil changes as your diesel matures. The oil's viscosity was normal for a
5W/40-grade. 1.0% of the sample was fuel likely from idling/city driving. Soot was present but not at high
levels. No coolant was found in this oil.
ALUMINUM 22
CHROMIUM 3
IRON 84
COPPER 7
LEAD 5
TIN 2
MOLYBDENUM 47
NICKEL 2
SILVER 0
TITANIUM 0
POTASSIUM 71
BORON 29
SILICON 34
SODIUM 6
CALCIUM 1423
MAGNESIUM 734
PHOSPHORUS 1037
ZINC 1206
BARIUM 1