Recently got back my first oil analysis. Everything was well within limits on my truck with the exception of a potassium reading of 20 where the average from a D-Max was reporrted at 2. They said it could possibly indicate Coolant in the crankcase or be the results of additives. My truck doesn't seem to loose coolant at all. The reservoir is still full and has been that way since I bought the truck 12 k ago. I use FPPF Total power each and every fill up.

The oil was Mobil1 Truck and SUV formula 5W-40 with 6800 miles when the change oil light came on. TBN was a healthy 7.8.

You can easily get a good indication for $20 by sending in a sample of new oil of the same type. You really want to rule out coolant as it can be very rough on the engine when in the oil, according to Blackstone Labs.

Thats a good idea, only problem is Mobil1 truck and SUV 5-40 was discontinued soon after I bought it.

Maybe sending a sample of the new oil when I send in my next analysis would be a good idea.

VOA on all M1 products show 0 Potassium

http://personal.linkline.com/rlockyer/m1-summary.jpg

Great chart Rich. I copied that for my own reference as well. Thanks! Well, that rules out one of three. You could always send a sample of FPPF and have them check for potassium which would let you know if that's where you may be picking it up. I don't see where FPPF has given a list of their ingredients. I haven't seen a materials safety data sheet on it. That may or may not state what's in it. 20 ppm is not a lot but any coolant at all is not a good thing. You might try an email to FPPF and see what they say but ruling it out with a lab check would probably leave you with a more settled mind.

I posted about elevated potassuim levels in the oil too.

See here :http://dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=68651&highlight=elevated+potassuim


I got the results from my clean and new rotella synthetic and there was no potassuim in it.

I didn't think of fuel additives as a possible cause. I use Stanadyne.

At the next oil change I'll see if theres any diffrence on the potassuim level.

.

That chart is a couple of years old (before Mobil released their 15,000 mile "EP" oils) but it's good for a reference.

Let us know what you find out. How do you start trouble shooting something like this? I use the FPPF in my tank also, I am thinking the next oil change will have to be checked.

Let us know what you find out. How do you start trouble shooting something like this? I use the FPPF in my tank also, I am thinking the next oil change will have to be checked.
Oil analysis is the way to go. It only cost $20 at Blackstone Labs. They’ll send you a suitable container to put it in that’s labeled with their address. Put the oil in it and mail it; it couldn’t be easier. They’ll send you one to start with and after you’ve had one done they’ll then send 4 at a time. I’ve used them for 25 years now and never had a problem. They send the shipping kit for free. It’s a very reputable company that does a lot of work for the aviation industry as well as cars and trucks. Do a Google search and order the free kit on their site.

After a couple times you then have a base line and will be able to see if and when things change and what a change in each element indicates. Every pilot I know uses analysis as wear trends can give you a heads up before the problem has you sitting on the side of the road which, is a little rough at 8000 ft.

c12719, thank you very much for the information I juat called them and they are sending the kit.

When it comes to airplanes an oil analysis is a must but I must say I have heard guys talking about them for their trucks and never really gave it much thought. My next change however will be checked.

Thanks again for the info.

I had Blackstone do my analysis.

Next change, a sample of the new oil goes along for the ride.

FPPF Total power could be a non-issue here, come to think of it, i did drop a banana in the oil during the change ;)

My coolant level dosen't drop, nor do I see any evidence of any coolant in the oil at all. I am going to keep a eye on this but not overly concerned. I doubt potassium has any detrimental effect at 20 ppm, the real concern is coolant leaves potasium as a clue to a potential problem.

I just got my Blackstone lab report back and my potassium level was at 10ppm. In the report they stated some oil products use potassium for better lubrication. I am also a FPPF user as well. If there is potassium in FPPF then I think it would show up in the analysis. If it is in the fuel then I think it would be in our soot and if it is in our soot it is in our oil.

I am going to get around to calling FPPF one of these days to find out what they put in their product.

But for now this is just an update of this topic.

I've got a pretty good history of analysis for both of my trucks and potassium is consistently 1 or 2 ppm. I use a lot more FPPF than most AND put a lot more fuel (soot etc) into my oil than most.

Being a 2001 I'd say the odds are pretty decent that it's a head gasket weeping. Check the upper rad hose for pressure when cold.

Check the upper rad hose for pressure when cold.

Kennedy, I checked the upper hose cold and I was able to squezze the hose, I heard a clicking sound on top of the engine( guessing this is the themostat), and fuild filled the res and then went back to starting quantity level once I let go.

I also had replaced the cap because I was having the upper flat hose syndrome. Which makes me ask...should this be a normal indication....the system should vent throught the cap right?

Thanks for any additional input. :) :confused:

Rick

Being a 2001 I'd say the odds are pretty decent that it's a head gasket weeping. Check the upper rad hose for pressure when cold.

Hose isn't pressurized when cold (Just a little squishy), no (Noticable) coolant drop in tank with 15k on truck since I got it.

Should I be at all concerned about this, or is it just something to live with?

I would put my money on Kennedy, at 20 ppm there would not be a noticable drop in fluid, Thats the down side.
The good part is that you are now aware of the situation and can monitor both the fluid level and the future oil samples.
Would be more than happy here to be wrong.
Merle

Ok, I screwed up! I re-read my "Oil Report" and I read it wrong:o: :o: ....under the comments they added that there was a very slight indication of a possible anti-freeze leak with my Sodium level at 10ppm. I called and spoke with them yesturday and they think it is something that I should not worry about right now They also commented that my Potassium level was 0 which is a good thing. I sent in my FPPF additive for a free check to see if it has any Sodium levels in it that could give me this type of reading.

I'll let you know what they find.

Got the Lab Report on the FPPF fuel additive back.

FPPF DOES NOT have any:

Potassium or Sodium levels in their product

FPPF DOES have small traces of:

Manganese and Phosphorus 1ppm

Sorry it took so long to get this back to everyone.....I hope this helps!

:) :exactly:

Wow....don't everyone who uses FPPF say thank you at once.:rolleyes:

Er, thank you, Nowake. It's great that you carried through on that and paid for the analysis, but I think you were the only one experiencing the potassium problem and concern. Good information and thanks for sharing.

Idle Chatter, it was more directed to the folk that talked about FPPF and weather or not it was adding to their oil.

But thank you for saying thanks.:exactly:

Wow....don't everyone who uses FPPF say thank you at once.:rolleyes:

If I used FPPF I would of said "Thank you very much"

But since I use Stanadyne I'll say "Thank you very little"

):h

Thx for the info.

.

No worries man.):h