How to read an Oil Analysis Report
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SPECTROMETAL RESULTS
This analysis measures, in parts per million, the quantity of wear, additive and contaminant metals. It is important to note that some metals may be present in any of the three categories.
Gears, bearings, rings, pistons, cylinders, shafts, valve train, other steel components, rust and other iron oxides.
Chromed parts such as rings, rolling element bearings. Also chromate which is sometimes an additive in coolant fluids.
Usually from babbitt bearings. Sometimes an additive in gear lubes and as tetraethyl lead in leaded gasoline.
Bearings, thrusts, bushings, clutch discs in some transmissions, bronze or brass. Additive in some oils. Heat exchangers.
Usually from babbitt bearings. Can also be piston wear.
Pistons, some bearings and bushings, housings, blowers. Also as alumina from dirt or grinding compounds.
Bearings, valves and valve guides, shafts.
Bearings, silver solder. Also indicator of coolant-especially when glycol is indicated.
Metal plating on some bearings. Also used in some paints, plastics and solders.
Turbine components. Found in some marine fuels.
Primarily from dust and dirt. Also anti-foam additive in lubricants. May also be from seals or gasket materials in new or newly rebuilt engines.
Anti-oxidant in coolants and lubricants. Detergent/dispersant additive in some lubricants.
PHYSICAL ANALYSIS
Accurate to .05 and reported in volume. Can cause oil degradation, poor lubrication, rust and may emulsify in oil. Water may also affect the viscosity (thickness) of oil.
Detects very small quantities of water in systems requiring more accurate results. Typically reported in parts per million.
Indicates antifreeze (ethylene-glycol) in lubricant which can cause sludge, varnish and lubricant breakdown. Can attack bearings causing seizure. Reported as "N" Negative, "T" Trace (100-300 ppm), "M" Moderate (>500 ppm) and "E" Excessive (>1000 ppm).
Indicates unburned fuel in the lubricant. Causes oil thinning, increased wear and reduced load carrying ability of the lubricant. Reported as "A" Acceptable (0-3%), "C" Caution (3-5%), "E" Excessive (Over 5%).
By-Product of combustion. Causes increased viscosity (thickening). Can trap abrasive contaminants and wear metals in the matrix increasing wear.
(Formerly TAN) Acid Number. Measures acidic material in lubricants. Usually (but not always) indicates potential for corrosive wear.