Oil Analysis Results – How concerned should I be?

[CharlieL]

The results of the first oil analysis I had done have me a bit troubled. How concerned do you think I should be? In particular about the fuel and metal percentages. (Fuel at 3% and iron at 232).

My 2022 Ram 2500 CTD was built 9/21. Since purchasing in October 2021, I had two oil changes done by the dealer (only because of a good price. The first was at 13,975 miles (2/8/2022), and the second at 28,000 (3/31/2023). The most recent was at 39,545 miles (4/23/2024); not at the dealer as I wanted an oil sample based upon the “making oil” and frequent regen issues posted on this site. The results are attached.

For reference, of the 40,000 on my truck, 15,000 is towing our fifth wheel. The non-towing is about 75/25 city/highway. I do use Diesel Kleen, usually always when towing and about half the rest of the time. The truck is subject to the Y43 recall, which has not been done and I’ve been advised by a local diesel shop (used for new fuel filters) not to do it. No frequent regen alert has ever been generated. No, I don’t specifically track the time/mileage on the regens. When all driving is all city, I watch the DPF gauge and do know when it regens.

In full disclosure most of all I know about my diesel truck I’ve picked up from this site. So, I’m asking for any and all input. Thanks…..

 

[56ram2500]

Well based on what I know about Rotella T-6 in my 2022 it does not hold up well to fuel in the oil, the 232 for iron is way to darn high, if your still using T-6 would with having such high iron would cut OCI to around 5-6,000 miles. Also for the next UOA I suggestion is to buy & use Fleetguard/Cummins test kits as there lab does not guess-a-mate the amount of fuel in oil, note to them that your closely watching fuel contamination and you also get TBN at no extra cost where Blackstone wants another $10, also the Fleetguard kit cost less at $26 plus shipping: https://www.genosgarage.com/product/fleetguard-oil-analysis-kit-cc2543/oil-filters

 

[Thewookie]

Even without looking at the report I was going to say “not nearly enough” oil changes, especially with the amount of towing. 7500 miles tops but that’s just me. As to the recall, mines done on my ‘22 3500 HO and no issues to date.

You’ve come to the gloom and doom kingdom for input, especially where the 2019+ are concerned, so hold on to your hat.

I would do the next oil change at 5K or 7500mi and do an oil analysis again before freaking out.

Good luck.

 

[AH64ID]

I would not be too concerned, but I would stop pushing the 12 month OCI and start changing your oil sooner. Oil starts to degrade as soon as you start the engine after an oil change and old oil does funky things for wear when the TBN is depleted.

Be sure to test for TBN, as that’s one of the most important part of UOA. The local Cummins recommends OAI testing, which is who I use and I’ve been much happier with their testing and results than I ever was with Blackstone.

 

[CharlieL]

Thank you for the input. Most appreciated. I see my error in relying too heavily on the 15k oil change interval in the owners manual. Will plan the next oil change no longer than 7,500. Also thanks for the tips for different places for an analysis. I was surprised how long it took for Blackstone to test the sample and get me the results.

 

[Ostracize]

Thank you for the input. Most appreciated. I see my error in relying too heavily on the 15k oil change interval in the owners manual. Will plan the next oil change no longer than 7,500. Also thanks for the tips for different places for an analysis. I was surprised how long it took for Blackstone to test the sample and get me the results.

The way I interpret that 15k oci is to ensure that fuel in oil dilution doesn't happen assuming everything is operating correctly... It is not implying that the oil itself(the many other factors that make up TBN) is going to hold up for that long. That said I agree with you and the others... Much lower oci this time then another analysis with TBN and it will tell you how you can adjust your oci from there and get it dialed.

 

[LegendaryLawman]

Thank you for the input. Most appreciated. I see my error in relying too heavily on the 15k oil change interval in the owners manual. Will plan the next oil change no longer than 7,500. Also thanks for the tips for different places for an analysis. I was surprised how long it took for Blackstone to test the sample and get me the results.

15k miles is a joke. It’s all for the environment but it’s not realistic. 7,500 is a good #.

Honestly I wasn’t impressed with blackstone. I’ve used them on and off for 20 years and they have been great. Recently it took 3 weeks to get a sample done. I called and they said oh yours is ready late today. Go figure probably since I called.

I’ll try Freightliner one next time through Genos. I always appreciate the black stone write up but the cost is slightly high IMO.

Your fuel percentage and iron is a bit high- I would be a little concerned and try again in 7500 miles. Maybe your lifters are wearing funky and your dpf is causing a fuel dump.

 

[AH64ID]

Thank you for the input. Most appreciated. I see my error in relying too heavily on the 15k oil change interval in the owners manual. Will plan the next oil change no longer than 7,500. Also thanks for the tips for different places for an analysis. I was surprised how long it took for Blackstone to test the sample and get me the results.

15K can be fine, it’s really not too much for oil. The owners manual also calls out 12 months and 500 hours as limits as well, which are just as important.

I have no hesitation running 15K miles if it’s within 12 months or 500 hours.

7500 miles is too often if it’s sooner than 12 months, just a waste of money.

 

[mbarber84]

Some things to add to the discussion:

1. If you are in an area where higher percentages of biodiesel are a common component of your locally available diesel fuel, then your oil change interval should be shortened to a maximum of 12,500 miles or 400 hours. This is explained in the manual. Anything greater than 5% biodiesel (B5) is cause for a shortened OCI. It is very common to see diesel with 15-20% biodiesel (B15-B20) in many areas of the country, and this isn’t always readily advertised on the pump. This could be a contributory factor to your increased fuel dilution in the oil.

2. If you’re not monitoring your regeneration frequency, I would highly recommend you do so, especially since your truck is a 2022 (70% of the trucks I have currently documented with regeneration frequency issues are all 2022+ model years). You will want to know the engine hours, and miles that are covered in between when a regen cycle finishes and the next one starts. Not all regeneration frequency issues will result in the P2459 DTC, but will indeed cause your truck issues to include increased fuel dilution.

3. Since you have already noted increased wear metals, I would recommend significantly shortening your OCI the next time and re-test.

4. Blackstone, as far as I know, does not use the gas chromatography test to determine fuel dilution, rather relying on flash point. I would recommend using Polaris Laboratories for future testing, as this is who Cummins uses, as well as Amsoil. Test kits are available at both Cummins locations and via Amsoil’s website.

5. By 44k miles, the vast majority of your wear metals from break in should be washed out. If you’re seeing increased wear metals, it’s time to dig deeper. Premature wear on the rocker cups and push rods is very common on these trucks. Not hard to check them.

 

[CharlieL]

As a follow up on this...... After my most recent oil change, I noticed my oil level was above the safe mark. In checking, I also noticed a difference in the reading when the truck is in "normal" versus "alternate" height air suspension mode. So I had another sample done. The results are much better.

As the oil level was high, and the report also referred to residual oil left in the engine, I decided to take out some oil. I pumped 2 quarts out through the dipstick tube, which brought the level down below the top of the safe mark. Then I added 1 pint of Archoil AR9100 oil additive. That brought the level to just at the top of the safe indicator. Now, I know some might say the snake oil is just a waste of money, but I figured the only harm would be to my wallet.

 

[56ram2500]

As a follow up on this...... After my most recent oil change, I noticed my oil level was above the safe mark. In checking, I also noticed a difference in the reading when the truck is in "normal" versus "alternate" height air suspension mode. So I had another sample done. The results are much better.

As the oil level was high, and the report also referred to residual oil left in the engine, I decided to take out some oil. I pumped 2 quarts out through the dipstick tube, which brought the level down below the top of the safe mark. Then I added 1 pint of Archoil AR9100 oil additive. That brought the level to just at the top of the safe indicator. Now, I know some might say the snake oil is just a waste of money, but I figured the only harm would be to my wallet.

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Was surprised to see TBN down to 4.8 in 3787 miles, for your next UOA get a Fleetguard/Cummins oil test kit from Genos its cheaper and a Cummins approved lab testing is better then Blackstone: