Oil Analysis Results

[330DA]

I had an oil analysis done on a 370DA that we are looking at buying. Both engines had very similar results.

The one thing that I had a question about was % of water by volume. The Port engine had 0.28% and the Stbd engine had 0.24%. This is 28 and 24 hundreths of one percent.

Can this small amount be from condensation? The sample was taken a few weeks after the boat was launched in May. It then sat a few weeks in the slip without being started and run to heat up the engines.

 

[Asureyez]

Oil Sampling Method

I'm comfortable that the moisture level was due to the sample being taken from cold engines, but not certain.

Instructions from most labs will advise that the oil be taken after the engine shave been run, 20 minutes or so, the goal being to warm up the oil and drive off the mositure. Ideal oil temp for sampliing is 100 degees F. attained from a engine that has just been run up to operating temp. In sampling while a surveyor is aboard, it is best to get the samples immediately after sea trial, but because things are hot in the ER, the surveyors aren't egar to get back down there for 20 minutes to pull and lable samples.

This amount of water is small, but what you do not know from the report is whether the moisture is from condensation from engine cooling or from a gasket beginning to let go. Moisture from hot oil would indicate the latter, cold oil could be either.

What's good here is the amount is small, if you are concerned, do not approve the oil survey with the seller and request a new sample be taken on hot oil. The seller will typically go along, particularily if you have not undertaken sea trial as yet.

A second sample might cost $50 bucks, plus time & materials but you're going to spend a lot of bucks ...

Good luck

 

[330DA]

You bring up some good points. Thanks.