Iron & Al high in oil sample

[Hansh]

I recently had an oil sample done on my 1993 6.5L TD. The analysis came back with above normal reading of Iron and Aluminum. Chromium and Zinc are also considerably higher than the last sample. Soot levels are also high in the oil. What would the high levels of Iron, & Aluminum be from, also increase in Chromium and Zinc? The power of the engine appears down, it seems to miss at idle, and I have blow by. My guess the rings and/or pistons need replacing?? Engine is a Jasper rebuild with about 110,000, IP rebuilt in Nov. has about 8,000 miles on it. I am going to do a compression check on the engine. Anything else I should look at?

[john8662]

According to the 6.2 manual the limit for Iron is 500 PPM and Copper is 150 PPM. How many miles are on the oil?

[Hansh]

Miles on oil sample is 13,000. It is Amsoil 15 - 40W using a dual Bypass filter system.

Sample shows
Iron 243 ppm
Al 33 ppm
Copper 17 ppm
Chromium 14 ppm
Zinc 1563 ppm
Molybdenum 19 ppm

[5.7L oldsdiesel]

Some of the readings described could be linked to a pushrod rubbing the cylinder head when the pushrod moves up and down.If the plastic button on the rocker arm shaft breaks,it allows the pushrod and rocker arm to slide sideways and rub the cylinder head.Pull the valve covers to see if thats happening.Could be the cause of some of your higher than normal counts.The aluminum reading you got,would'nt cause this.In that case,you'd need a pretty sloppy timing chain to rub the timing cover inside and that would give you the higher than normal aluminum reading.Check your chain for excessive slop.

[john8662]

The figures above were based on a 2,500 mile oil change. Looks like your bypass oil filter system is certainly helping at 13k on an oil change. Your daring in my opinion with that many miles, but I'm running dino and see how far it gets me :rolleyes: (not far, everything is broke!)

[Hansh]

I did a compression check and the right front cylinder is about 250 psi, all others range from 420 - 480 psi (plus or minus) after a couple cranks of the engine. I'll pull the valve cover on the right side and see what it looks like. Any other ideas? Thanks for the input.

HANS

[StephenA]

What oil analysis outfit are you using?