First Oil Analysis results

[rlchv70]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: K80</div><div class="ubbcode-body">15-40. In the morning I am calling to find out what they (ITE) consider to be out of line. I will post what I find out.
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I meant, what did the OA show for your measured viscosity. It can be a better indicator for the amount of fuel dilution.

[bigdawgkp]

My first oil change and sample came at 6000 miles because I believe the 10,000 mile interval being recommended by FORD is entirely too long an interval. My Al is 45 and iron is @ 77. Si
is also up there @ 51. Fuel in my sample was 6% and according to Blackstone is a problem level based on the new engine, BS would give the benefit of a doubt. BS recommended another sample in 5000 miles, however the sample will be pulled at 10,000 miles total on the truck. I am running Rotella 15-40 with the new CJ-4 rating as recommended. Will post info on the next sample.

[Diesel Jay]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm not sure that I buy that fuel dilution is high. Fuel dilution is very difficult to measure properly. I have seen up to 5% variation from one lab to another.

If this was the first oil change, then this is 10w30 oil. 10 cSt viscocity is normal for 10w30. 1% of fuel dilution will lower viscocity by 1 cst. If it is 15w40, then I would say that fuel dilution is high.</div></div>
If not fuel dilution, than what accounts for the very low flash point of 290F? Out of the bottle, most 10W-30 oils should be around ~425F or greater.

- Jay

[jmoser]

Regen can and will dilute the oil, especially if more frequent regens are needed do to low speed / idling.

Obviously imperfect injectors will add to the problem.

[rlchv70]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Diesel Jay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
If not fuel dilution, than what accounts for the very low flash point of 290F? Out of the bottle, most 10W-30 oils should be around ~425F or greater.

- Jay </div></div>

I'm not sure, but it isn't an accurate method for diesel engines. Could be due to contamination or base oil cracking.

My experience on the 6.4L shows a very strong correlation between viscocity, fuel dilution, and soot.

Here is an interesting and useful link:

http://www.practicingoilanalysis.com...up=Maintenance

[Diesel Jay]

According to that link, base oil cracking requires localized temps of 550C or greater. And contamination from solvents or anything of that nature seems like a long shot. The link even notes that fuel can contaminate oil, but that the viscosity may not change much due to soot loading, VI factors, etc.

It still seems to me like the analysis is fairly accurate - fuel in oil. Whether that's the result of normal regen operation, or dribbling injectors is hard to say. I wonder if the OP noticed if the oil level was rising, to any degree, prior to the oil change?

- Jay

[rlchv70]

Soot was relatively low. Therefore, it should have little impact on the viscosity. The only other thing that typically increases viscosity is coolant contamination.

Fuel dilution decreases viscosity by 1 cSt for every 1%. 10w30 starts around 10. If there was &gt;4% dilution, then I would expect viscosity to be around 6 cSt.

Regens will result in some fuel dilution. Leaking injectors or fuel lines will result in MAJOR fuel dilution.