Realize the full benefit that used oil dnalypis has to alias! Inspect sample bottle for contamination. Samples should be taken at or near normal operating temperature. Take samples in the same manner from the same point each time. Provide complete and accurate information on the sample label provided. Be ona regular and continuous sampling program. Cut open and inspect oil filters each time. (Particles seen by the naked eye are too large for analysis and may indicate imminent fallure) Test Explanations Wear Metals Interpretation of used oil analysis is based upon trending. Therefore, to interpret the condition of a component properly, a history of tests is required. However, when no history is available, the general rating system listed below is useful. Level Allowed Lead: Overlay on bearings 40 Copper: Bearing and bearing cushion wear; Additive in some oils 40 Iron: Crankshaft; Cylinder walls; Rings; Sleeves or Valvetrain 100 Chromium: — Chromed parts such as: Piston rings or Valve stems 20 Tin: Overlay on bearings 40 Silicon: Dirt is a very abrasive element, and high levels contribute to excessive wear and shortened component life. Additive in some oils 20 Aluminum: — Piston and bearings 40Physical Test Physical Test The following tests are performed on a FT-IR spectrophotometer. The used oil is compared to the unused oil, therefore, it is essential that the laboratory have, on file, an analysis of the fresh (unused) oil. When no such reference oil is provided, the computer uses a “best match” to determine the results. Soot: Oxidation: Nitration: ZpDDP depletion: Water: Fuel: Viscosity: The quantity of fuel soot is an excellent indicator of combustion efficiency. It also indicates injector malfunctions, air intake restrictions, over loading or excessive idling. Results are reported in absorbance/ centimeter (%). The amount of oil oxidation is an excellent measure of the effective service life of the oil. It also indicates internal overheating and extended drain interval (aging). Results are reported in absorbance/ centimeter (abs/cm). Nitration is a measure of the nitrogen compounds in the oil resulting from blow-by past the compression rings. It also indicates improper air/fuel ratio and low operating temperature. Results are reported in absorbance/centimeter (abs/cm). Zinc Diothiophosphate is an additive in the oil that provides a protective film. High levels of depletion indicate that the additive is being used up. Results are reported in absorbance/centimeter (abs/cm). Water in the oil prevents proper lubrication and causes sludge formation. It also indicates coolant leaks and condensation due to low operating temperatures or inadequate crankcase ventilation. Results are reported when the level exceeds 0.3%. Fuel dilution is the primary cause of oil thinning and greatly reduces lubricating ability. It also indicates leaking fuel pump and fuel lines, excessive idling, and defective injectors. Manufacturers recommend corrective action when levels exceed 4.0% Ethylene glycol in oil causes serious varnish and sludge formation. Italso indicates loose or cracked head, leaking gaskets, sleeve seals or oil cooler. Results are reported when the level exceeds 0.1%. Viscosity measures a lubricant’s resistance to flow. Changes in viscosity indicate improper servicing, dilution or contamination, and lubricant breakdown in service. Differences in viscosity, from the stated, can be caused from using the incorrect oil at service fill or makeup additions. Oil may thin due to shear in multi-viscosity oils or by fuel dilution. Oil also may thicken from oxidation or from contamination by antifreeze. Test results are reported in centistokes (cSt).