Cummins600 - I use Cleveland Technical Center. I bought the kits through amsoil back in 2000, and still have a bunch left. Since they sublet their lab work out through a variety of labs - in my case CTC, I just started sending them directly there. This time I got my results back in 1 day after sending the kit. They report by fax and email - and they have an online database where you can log in and view your reports. www.ctclink.com The parent company is staveley services.

 

Where do you have it tested? Do you send the oil to a lab or do you just drive your rig in and they take a sample? Who does that sort of thing?

Also, how much does it normally cost?

I'd be interested in testing mine at 10k miles.

Thanks alot,

DT.

 

Dieselnewbie - there are tons of labs. Check out www.oaitesting.com or www.avlube.com . There are a number of other labs out there as well. They typically send you a little sample bottle and a form - you take the sample and return it to them. Make sure you get a test that includes TBN and soot.

 

Thanks alot for the links Lightman, I will do that!

DT.

 

Lightman, any thoughts on Valvoline Premium Blue and high potassium levels showing up in an analysis?

 

03WVJay - I really don't know much about the potassium issue - haven't really looked into it. You might want to go to Bob is the Oil Guy's forum, and search the virgin oil analysis reports for premium blue and check out the potassium levels. Then I'd search the used diesel oil analysis section for potassium and cummins. Good luck!

 

I use Valvoline Premium Blue as well and have always had high potassium levels compared to others using different oils. When I asked the lab that I use about it they told me that Valvoline has a high content of detergents and anti-freezing agents to help keep it fluid at extreme cold temps, which shows up as elevated potassium and boron. I have seen posts where some labs have mistaken it for anti-freeze leaking in to the oil, which I'm told will show up as elevated potassium and boron as well. Most labs will just compensate for it when they see that you're using Valvoline.


Brian

 

Thanks Lightman I'll check the Oil Guys. Also thanks AK RAM, it's good to know that others are seeing similar results.

 

Id stick with the recommended oil change intervals at least until the warrantry is up, as Cummins seems to state that you can't use synthetic oil, bypass filters or used oil analysis to extend intervals.

 

I called the 800 number from the Cummins website and talked with a fellow about the high potassium number in my UOA. My analysis looked great except for the potassium which was 43ppm with ~7500 mls on the oil and ~15000 mls on the engine (first change @ ~ 1500mls, 2nd change @ ~7500 mls, both of these were Mobile Delvac 1300), using Shell Rotella T 5w-40. I've searched on this forum, over at the TDR along with the some other oil analysis sights and have seen a large number of 03+ engines with high potassium. The guy at Cummins told me to do another sample and if it's still above 40ppm to take it to Chrysler for diagnostics because it should not be this high. I didn't tell him, nor did he ask, what oil I was using. So I'm assuming since it's shipped from the factory with the Premium Blue oil and their database says 40ppm is too high, then even if you're using Valvoline Premium Blue potassium levels above 40ppm are abnormal and an indication something is wrong.

I'm wondering if anyone else has called Cummins and asked about high potassium, and what was their response?

 

I have not contacted Cummins but only my first sample was above 40ppm
I am a little concerned that the potassium came up a little on the last sample.
All oil changes I used Valvoline Premium Blue 15W-40

Miles(truck) Miles(on oil) Boron Potassium
3437 3437 113 71
7456 4018 118 38
12309 4854 130 22
16929 4620 109 28

I noticed that there is a correllation between miles on oil and potassium level. Then it could just be a coincidence. Need more miles and more samples.
What else, other that anti-freeze or assembly lube, can cause high potassium??

 

I suggest you try running a different oil and testing - then you'll know if it's in the oil. As I mentioned earlier - I've had 0 potassium on any reports for all 40k of my truck's life, using delvac 1300 and then delvac 1 after 15k.

 

My buddie tested his 04.5 and he had high potassium as well.. The lab said it my be the fuel conditoner he was using.. Howes.. Appartently they see this trend..

I just sent mine in for it's first analysis @ 90,000km on my 03.. And I really pour the Howes to it after crapping out a fuel pump on the road @ 30 below last winter.. it's worked so far.. but I'll see what the analysis shows.. I run 12,000 + or - on my oil changes..

Blygy

 

What Blygy says could be true. I know that delvac 1 has no molybendum in it. My reports have been consistently showing a few numbers of moly since I started using Redline addiitves.

 

Have any of you guys noticed elevated silicon levels after installing the AFE ProGuard-7 air intake system?
SPICER, over at Dieselplace.com, did an air filter test with a number of airfilters and the PG-7 didn't do as well as I would have expected.
I live in the desert (Phoenix, AZ) and we have a lot of fine dust in the air and I'm wondering if that shows up in the oil. I do have the PG-7 system on my truck.
Any experience's with this problem? If so, I would like to hear about them, very much.
Thank You, very much.
Joe F.(Buffalo)