OIL ANALYSIS CHECKLIST

BASIC TESTING

TEST TEST INFORMATION PROBLEM POTENTIAL ROOT CAUSES

Metal Analysis • Detects metals in ppm. • Wear metals detected. possible sources of wear metal

• Sudden large increases • Foreign debris present. Antimony (Sb): Grease, bearings, alloy steel, paint, ceramic products
in wear rates can lead
• Metal-containing Barium (Ba): Additives, grease or water contamination
to impending failure.
additives used in
Beryllium (Be): Bearings, dirt, alloy steel
• Reduces additive levels lubrication detected.
lead to a reduction in Boron (B): Coolant, additives, water treatment
oil and component life. (For more detailed
Calcium (Ca): Additives, grease contamination, gypsum, road dust
information, refer to the
• Identifies Lithium (Li): Grease contamination
Fluid Life Wear Metal
contamination (i.e. dirt,
Origins Chart) Magnesium (Mg): Additives, component housings, hard water, road dust
coolant leaks, mixing
of oils). Molybdenum (Mo): Additives, come piston rings, grease
Nickel (Ni): Roller bearing metals, valve train, turbine blades, crankshafts
Phosphorus (P): Additives, coolants, cleaning detergents
Potassium (K): Coolant, fuel dilution, potash, paper mill dust, road dust
Sliver (Ag): Silver-plated bearing cages, wrist pin bushings, soldered joints
Titanium (Ti): Dirt, metal alloys, turbine bearings
Vanadium (Va): Fuel oils, turbine blades, valves
Zinc (Zn): Additives, brass, seals, grease, galvanizing, plating

Viscosity • Resistance of oil’s flow. 1. Viscosity increase and 1. Excessive contamination such as soot or glycol, oil oxidation and/or nitration.
resulting oil thickening.
• Measured as kinematic 2. Fuel dilution or mixing with lighter oils, shearing or multi-grade oils from high speed
viscosity in centistokes 2. Viscosity decrease and operation.
@ 40°C and 100°C. resulting oil thinning.
• Changes in oil viscosity
can result in increased
component wear
and related system
malfunction.

Water • Detects the presence 1. Condensation 1. Low temperature operation, inadequate ventilation, improper maintenance
of free and emulsified practices.
2. Cooler core leak
water in oil and reports
2. Corroded core
it as: “Report Table”, 3. High blow-by
“Unacceptable” and 3. Worn rings or liners
“Severe”.
• Reduces oil's
lubrication qualities and
causes metal corrosion.

Fuel Dilution • Detects the presence
of fuel in oil and reports
it as a %.
1. Over-fuelling
2. Poor combustion
3. Cracked or broken fuel
line fittings
1. Oversize or dribbling injectors. Restricted fuel return line. Ring sticking or breakage.
Improperly adjusted air/fuel ratio.
2. Poor injector spray pattern. Worn rings and liners. Restricted air supply or exhaust
system.
3. Worn rings or liners.
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OIL ANALYSIS CHECKLIST

BASIC TESTING

TEST TEST INFORMATION PROBLEM POTENTIAL ROOT CAUSES

Glycol • Detects presence 1. Coolant leakage 1. Defective or blown head gasket, improperly torqued cylinder head, defective seals
of ethylene glycol on wet liners, cracked block or cylinder head (from freezing or engine coolant or
in crankcase oil and overheating caused by insufficient coolant or stuck thermostat).
reports it as a %.
• Glycol forms sludges
that coat internal
parts and failures can
occur as a result of
insufficient lubrication.

Soot/ • Total amount of 1. Incomplete combustion 1. Defective or blown head gasket, improperly torqued cylinder head, defective seals
Suspended carbon soot and other on wet liners, cracked block or cylinder head (from freezing or engine coolant or
Solids combustion-related overheating caused by insufficient coolant or stuck thermostat).
contamination as % of
the oil volume.
• High level of
suspended solids will
cause premature wear
to engine components.

Oxidation/ • Determination of 1. Higher engine 1. Inadequate cooling, improper air/fuel ratio, excessive peak-power operation.
Nitration chemical by-products operating temperature
2. Over-extended oil drain interval.
that indicate oil
2. End of oil life
degradation.
• Measured in absorption
units per cm.
• These processes
can threaten engine
performance and
longevity.