Oil Analysis - High Silicon

[leeron]

Hello All,
Have a contract on a 320 Dancer with 5.7's. During survey, both engines indicate higher than normal levels of silicon. Port=20 PPM, STB = 41 PPM. Everything else was normal. Boat ran great during sea trials.

According to what I've read this could be from gasket sealant, additives, or some synthetic oils will read high. Of course this could also be from an abrasive/dirt which would cause wear in cylinders and other engine components.

Any advise on next steps before purchase? Or would this be a reason to run away?

Ron

 

[Golfman25]

Hello All,
Have a contract on a 320 Dancer with 5.7's. During survey, both engines indicate higher than normal levels of silicon. Port=20 PPM, STB = 41 PPM. Everything else was normal. Boat ran great during sea trials.

According to what I've read this could be from gasket sealant, additives, or some synthetic oils will read high. Of course this could also be from an abrasive/dirt which would cause wear in cylinders and other engine components.

Any advise on next steps before purchase? Or would this be a reason to run away?

Ron

How high? Does the report give you a range?

 

[leeron]

It does not give a range. But 20 PPM is yellow which means concerning and 41 PPM is red which is “severe”.

 

[ttmott]

I wouldn't worry too much about the silicone in a marine application. Most likely from a sealant, see if any work has been done and they used a gasket sealer.

 

[BlueYonder]

What are the sodium and potassium levels? Best case is a dirty air filter or recent use of sealants. Worst case could be a coolant leak.

 

[leeron]

Thanks for the replies.
Port - Sodium=6, Potassium<2
STBD - Sodium<2, Potassium<2
I've asked for maintenance logs and any recent work (receipts). Several mechanics and my surveyor seem to think no big deal.

 

[Strecker25]

I wouldn’t sweat it either, if everything else was normal. The bad stuff would be an outside source of contamination (like dirt/sand) but if it was bad enough you’d probably have other wear metals high and possibly poor compression if it’s been going on a while.

One last check could be to ask what type of oil was used and ask the company (black stone?) what their averages are for that brand and weight of oil

 

[leeron]

I’ll ask about the oil type, great point.

 

[dtfeld]

Unfortunately one oil analysis doesn't tell you much. You need multiples to find trends.

The good news is its got small block and there are lot of parts available. 5.7's are great engines.