Just got the report on the oil sample I sent in to Blackstone Labs a couple of weeks ago.
"DAVID: Assuming this is just the second, maybe third, oil change on this engine since the rebuild, it's not
uncommon to see some extra metal and silicon in the oil from break-in. Aluminum (from pistons) is still
washing out and should be average next time. Silicon is also high, but it likely shows harmless sealers/lubes
washing out rather than abrasive dirt contamination. The viscosity was correct for straight 40W oil and no
harmful contamination was found. Universal averages are based off ~3,000 miles on the oil. You might
change this fill and check back in 3K-4K miles to monitor."
So, does this mean that they are suggesting I change the oil now, or send in another sample in 3-4,000 miles? I hadn't planned on changing oil again until we get to Texas, but if I need to do so I'll see if I can find a place here to do so. There ought to be a Detroit shop somewhere in the St. Louis area. At the time of the sample I had about 5100 miles on the new engine. The oil was changed at MOT at about 1000 miles, then changed again in Riverton about 2400 miles ago because MOT put the wrong oil in.
Change now and drive 3 to 4 thousand miles and sample again.
The oil analysis labs try to establish a "baseline". They like to see several samples so they can establish a baseline and from there they can be more accurate in predicting trends. One sample with high silicons does not tell them much, but if they see a trend of a silicons rising over a number of samples, they can be much more accurate in predicting problems. I used Mobil labs for years and after a while my company would not only schedule oil changes with these results, but schedule overhauls and repairs.
Used to be called "predictive maintenance"
You do NOT need a DD dealer to change the oil.
If you have the proper Delo 100 and correct filters, almost anyone who works on OTR trucks can change it.
Changing oil and filter is not rocket science.
arrg - had t' put me eye patch back on t' read these posts!
Jim
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