Oil Analysis?

[jeffk]

I just lost the sale of our boat for boarderline oil results. I tried to upload the pdf file but too big. Can someone here give me the facts of our report, so I know if I have a real issue or not.
We did the test twice, once, then changed the oil, ran the motors, retested. I don't have the second report yet. Waiting for the dealer to forward them to me.

2006 300 Sundancer5.0L Mercruiser w/Bravo III

 

[skolbe]

What was the issue with the analysis? How many hours on the boat? Are you the original owner?

 

[jeffk]

2nd or 3rd owner. 214 and 215. Abnormal levels of sodium and silicone.

What do you know about oil analysis, can I send you a copy and tell me if I have real issues, or is the buyer being anal?

 

[skolbe]

Sounds like water intrusion from something in the cooling system - has the exhaust manifolds and risers been replaced? After the oil change how much did the boat get run? My dad knows how to read that stuff better than I can. I will share with him.

 

[jeffk]

Yes, the risers and manifolds have been changed. I was told 3-4 hours. Don't know.

 

[trit21]

3-4 hours is not enough of a run typically unless you have a real bad issue. You will probably just get back new oil analysis again unless you have a real bad large leak. Not sure where your silicon came from but maybe a contaminated sample, additive you are using or in the oil, or a sealant that is breaking down and getting in the oil. High sodium is from salt water typically which means a leak someplace. Do you also have high aluminum, steel, tin? Be great if you could post it here so we can look at it.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Here's a web page from Blackstone Labs (the company I have do my oil analysis) that explains what each 'ingredient' represents. Hover your mouse over Sodium and Silicone to see where those excess levels might have come from.

http://www.blackstone-labs.com/report-explanation.php

 

[jeffk]

Thanks for the links and answers. I have both reports now, but can't post them, too big. But I'm willing to share if you pm me your emails. Thanks, Jeff

 

[fwebster]

I would bet, with oil samples exhibiting high sodium and high silicon, that you have a dirty, unsealed or missing filter in the spark arrestor. Silicon comes from sand; sodium comes from salt water and thru the breather is about the only place for a single cause for both contaminants. Of course, you could have the breather problems letting silicon in the intake air, AND a leaking riser or riser gasket. Neither is a particularly difficult or expensive problem to fix.

 

[jeffk]

Is the filter you speak of, in the IAC filter?