Changed the oil at18402miles and had 5496 miles on the oil drained. Following is the oil analysis results.

Wear Materials (ppm)

Aluminum 4
Calcium 3635
Chromium 1
Copper 6
Iron 12
Lead 8
Magnesium 14
Molybdiem 96
Phosphorus 1215
Silicon 13
Sodium 6
Zinc 1390

Oil Condition/Particles Count(ct/ml)

Oxidation 36
Soot 10
Nitration 29
Sulfation 22
Water N
Antifreeze N
Fuel in Water N
Viscosity@100C 15.3

The shop that did this analysis says metal wear readings are normal. Any comments?The Analysis was done by the local Cataapillar shop here in San Antonio Tx.

This sample looks very good. Normal values for wear metals are:iron 10-40,aluminium under 10, chromium 1-8, copper 3-15, silicone under 15, sodium under 25. Oil additives are phosphorus, zinc, molebdenum, and calcium.These additives are for anti wear and acid neutralization properties of the oil and contribute to the total base number of the oil (TBN). Viscosity is 15.3cst @100 deg c. A 40 weight oil is between 12.5 and 16.3 cst @ 100 deg c. If your oil was 5w40, 15w40, or 40 weight it is still in grade. Soot is a percentage , double check that # is it 10 or 1.0? Nitration 30-50, oxidation 30-50 are normal values. I do not have a spec for sulfation at this time. Water, antifreeze and fuel all negative. This info is from Amsoil Dealer Training Series.

This sample looks very good. Normal values for wear metals are:iron 10-40,aluminium under 10, chromium 1-8, copper 3-15, silicone under 15, sodium under 25. Oil additives are phosphorus, zinc, molebdenum, and calcium.These additives are for anti wear and acid neutralization properties of the oil and contribute to the total base number of the oil (TBN). Viscosity is 15.3cst @100 deg c. A 40 weight oil is between 12.5 and 16.3 cst @ 100 deg c. If your oil was 5w40, 15w40, or 40 weight it is still in grade. Soot is a percentage , double check that # is it 10 or 1.0? Nitration 30-50, oxidation 30-50 are normal values. I do not have a spec for sulfation at this time. Water, antifreeze and fuel all negative. This info is from Amsoil Dealer Training Series.


Talked to the CAT Lab person today and he says 10(percent) Soot is a good readding and another disscussion with Cummins shop personnel verified this. In about six months I'll have two labs check(run a analysis) My oil supplier takes samples and sends them somewhere so I'llmtry him. Thanks for the info.

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but where would I look to find someone who does oil analysis in my area (Knoxville, TN)? Also, what is the going rate for this service?

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but where would I look to find someone who does oil analysis in my area (Knoxville, TN)? Also, what is the going rate for this service?

Catapilllar heavy equipmt sales/ service, Cummins Engine Service. Blackstone Lab. on the internet. Call anyone that sells/servcice diesels and they should be able to tell you. Blackstone is $20 and I forgot what I payed Cat, but it was less than $20. Truck service garages are a good place to find out.