Oil Samples are in...

[Reelsly]

I'm currently in the middle my survey window on a 1998 550DB with 6V92 DDEC engines. The generator is a Westerbeke 15KW. The results of the motor survey are acceptable. There is life left on the motors. The only major issue is that the aftercoolers have never been serviced. I can accept that.

Here's the problem...Oil samples came in today. Motors checked out OK but the Generator is another story. Here are the results. "piston, cylinder, and bearing wear indicated. Sodium level higher than typical (177ppm). Check for source and/or salt water leak. Check for oil pressure drop and abnormal noise. Advise use of additional diagnostic tools to determine course of corrective action." Other results; Copper=51ppm, Chromium=5ppm, Lead 20ppm.

What does this mean? :huh::huh: The genny has 2300hrs. Is an overhaul in my near future? How much does something like this cost? Any help/advice will be appreciated. Thanks

 

[paulswagelock]

Sodium in oil typically means cooling water / antifreeze is making it into the oil path. This could be a head gasket issue. Some oils do use sodium in their makeup, so it would be good to know what oil is in there and check the oil's additive levels when unused to see what ppm it started at.

the copper is elevated which could indicate bearing wear, but the iron is not particularly high. Number of run hours on the oil is also needed to evaluate the contaminant levels.

 

[trit21]

As stated above, run hours on the oil is required to determine the issue. Old oil which has not been changed can become corrosive and cause wear of oil coolers and other copper items along with some of the other wear item you are seeing. Copper being softer will wear more and elevated levels will be present.

Sodium level elevations is as paulswagelock has stated. Salt water can enter the system via the exhaust manifold/riser and probably should be inspected.

I doubt they will want to tear apart the gen to determine the cause. I am also going to assume they stated to change fluid, run for another 10 hours and re-test which you can do and see if the metals/sodium are still high and then continue with the purchase or not.

 

[Bob & Sue]

I'm no expert on oil analysis go to this website Bob's the Oil Guy it explains everything you ever wanted to know about oil.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/engine-oil-analysis/