Don't know if any of you are into the whole oil analysis thing but here's my latest report. I'm wondering how I could check for a fuel problem as the report suggests. I don't have any codes and I get about 17-18 mpg in rush hour commute stop/go driving. The O2 sensor is less than a year old. The only thing I can think of is to change the plugs and wires and maybe the fuel filter and air filter. I think the plugs/wires are about 2 yrs old or so judging from the stamp on the wires.

Oil analysis indicates piston scuffing? But report goes on to say nothing seriously out of line. Should I be concerned? What type of fuel problems are they referring to?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!!


Oil = Castrol GTX Diesel 15W40
Miles on oil = 3032
Miles on engine = 136668
4 months time between oil changes

Comments = This oil was run about twice the miles of the first sample and iron wear, surprisingly, improved. Aluminum didn't. Aluminum is not a metal that tends to move around with miles oil use, so it is probably showing some sort of problem. Iron and aluminum together usually show piston scuffing, a problem which can be exasperated by a fuel system problem. We found gas in the oil at 1.5%, same as last sample, and it has lower the oil's viscosity to the SAE 30W range. Bearings look perfect.

Nothing seriously out of line so run 4,000 more miles for another look.

Aluminum 10 9
Chromium 0 0
Iron 21 36
Copper 1 1
Lead 0 0
Tin 0 4
Moly 8 45
Nickel 0 0
Manganese 0 0
Silver 0 0
Titanium 0 0
Potassium 0 2
Boron 0 48
Silicon 6 10
Calcium 2439 2415
Magnesium 8 16
Phosphorus 932 1075
Zinc 1151 1348
Barium 0 0

SUS Viscosity @ 210F = 67.5
Flashpoint = 375
Fuel% = 1.5
Antifreeze = 0
Water = 0
Insolubles % = 0.4