| Oil Analysis Report Indicates Potassium [message #294423] |
Mon, 25 January 2016 21:32  |
Galen
Messages: 146
Registered: November 2011
Location: New Virginia, IA
Karma: 0
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A couple years ago I had the engine overheat. After getting the radiator repaired, I ran a short oil change ~500 miles. Engine was running fine. I haven't put a ton of miles on, so I thought I'd send another sample to Blackstone - about 6,000 miles since the last analysis (multiple oil changes). Here's the summary:
Wear metals are generally a little better than last time, even with the longer oil run, but the increase in potassium is
somewhat concerning since that can show a little coolant in the oil. It's probably not enough to notice the
coolant level dropping or anything like that yet (so you've caught the leak early), but do monitor to make
sure it doesn't get worse and stick with short oil runs for now.
Potassium is up to 16, up from 8. Universal average is 4. Complete report is at http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p59872-oil-analysis-report-jan-2016.html newest readings in the first column.
Do I monitor this, try to retorque the heads, change to an external oil cooler, or some other recommendation?
Thanks in advance.
Galen
Galen Briggs
New Virginia, Iowa
1978 Palm Beach
[Updated on: Mon, 25 January 2016 21:32] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Oil Analysis Report Indicates Potassium [message #294454 is a reply to message #294423] |
Tue, 26 January 2016 11:48  |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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If the leak is slight enough to not see coolant use, I would drain and fill with fresh 50/50 ethylene glycol coolant and do what GM did on the Northstars, add GM or Barsleak tablets ( crushed ginger root) On the Caddys this note was on the core support decal from the factory that it MUST be used. This is the intended correct use for this product, for slight weep type issues. When used as directed and coolant drained and filled ever 24mos, it's perfectly safe and could keep you off the hook in the future from other leaks. If it doesn't work you are only out a few bucks.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: Oil Analysis Report Indicates Potassium [message #294544 is a reply to message #294454] |
Wed, 27 January 2016 09:44 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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JohnL455 wrote on Tue, 26 January 2016 10:48If the leak is slight enough to not see coolant use, I would drain and fill with fresh 50/50 ethylene glycol coolant and do what GM did on the Northstars, add GM or Barsleak tablets ( crushed ginger root) On the Caddys this note was on the core support decal from the factory that it MUST be used. This is the intended correct use for this product, for slight weep type issues. When used as directed and coolant drained and filled ever 24mos, it's perfectly safe and could keep you off the hook in the future from other leaks. If it doesn't work you are only out a few bucks.
A lot of people are against that but I've used it with great success. GM used that on many cars even before the Northstars. The all aluminum pushrod engines (we called them the tin foil engines) before the Northstars, were notorious. When I worked in the assembly plants as a student in the 60's, every radiator got a dog turd for good measure.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: Oil Analysis Report Indicates Potassium [message #294547 is a reply to message #294423] |
Wed, 27 January 2016 11:20 |
Galen
Messages: 146
Registered: November 2011
Location: New Virginia, IA
Karma: 0
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I called Blackstone today and spoke with a lab tech. He said this level of potassium is so low that they wouldn't speculate it even came from coolant definitely. His advice was to drive it and get the oil tested in another 1000-2000 miles, and just keep an eye on the coolant level. I'll probably change the oil sooner than that, and throw a couple ginger tabs in the radiator too.
After the overheat and radiator repair was complete I used some of the tablets. The Blackstone people are certainly helpful.
Thanks
Galen Briggs
New Virginia, Iowa
1978 Palm Beach
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