First oil anaylsis done on my truck at 19,975 miles and I am not quite sure what it all means; using Baldwin oil filters and AC Delco air filters; oil had 7,225 miles (Shell Rotella 15w40 Dino) I did run this oil longer than I normally do; air filter 10,000 miles (air filter looked really good). On the TBN, was this oil still ok or was it fried? But I am concerned by the notes, should I be? Thanks!


Iron 37
Chromium 1
Lead 9
Copper 29
Tin 4
Aluminum 3
Nickel 0
Silver 1
Silicon 21
Boron 1
Sodium 7
Potassium 5
Magnesium 17
Calcium 2871
Phosphorus 1487
Zinc 1590
Moly 0
Fuel 0
Water <0.1
Glycol N
Visc 100c 14.9
BN 9.96

NOTES: Copper level slightly above normal. Possibly from bearing overlay, thrusts, bushings or cooler. Dirt level slightly above normal. No corrective action at this time. Continue Normal PM. Resample at normal interval.

Everything looks at least "OK", and most of it looks good.

Your TBN looks good. Replacement is recommended when it drops to about 3 or so. New oil is usually about 12 or 13.

Silicon is a little high, but nothing to get terribly worried about. Some people report Si numbers under 5 PPM.

Iron & Copper are also a little high, but still in the normal range especially for a newer engine.

The Calcium-Phosphorus-Zinc numbers are normal. These are engine oil additives.

Have Dyson Analysis interpret....best $20 you can spend to help make sense of a UOA.


Also, is it snowing on the screen or have I been infront of this computer way too long that I am seeing random dots?

There will be lots of metal in the oil thru break-in time. I always concentrated on the Coolant,fuel iron and copper in my engine. Keep up with the analysis and watch for spikes in content. Then go from there.

I always kept copies of my tests in the truck to show if needed.

Also a little thick meaning it has oxidized some. I leave Delvac 1 in my truck for 10,000 miles and the vis. is usually 13.9-14.0. Bottom end of the 40wt scale showing very little oxidation.

Add LC every 1000 miles to keep oxidation from occuring, will also help TBN and keep insolubles low.

Thanks guys!!! The TBN number is the one I was really wondering about. I ran this oil a little longer than I have ever in any vehicle I have owned and started to get worried that it was worn out a thousand miles or so ago. I will keep copies in my file for future reference and will now continue to do a regular anaylsis (in 20 plus years of vehicles, this is my first diesel and first oil anaylsis).