My first post here - I look forward to participating and learning.

2006 6.0L w/almost 36,000 miles on engine.

My last two oil changes have shown higher lead - 7 ppm. The previous numbers had all been 2 ppm. This last oil change, I had two separate labs run the analysis just to see if the numbers were consistent. They were - 7 ppm and 6 ppm.

Is 7 ppm lead indicative of a developing bearing problem or is it just the high side of normal? If so, is there anything to do other than "keep an eye on it". What would be considered an "action level" where it should be taken in to be looked at?

Specifically concerned that there could be lead based corrosion from the oil I am using OR there is some corrosion from slight fuel dilution (2% from one of the analyses) of the oil and corrosion attack from the fuel additive (Stanadyne).

Oil - Schaeffer 9000 5W-40
Oil Change Date 9/11/2008
Miles on Truck 34690
Miles on Oil 4613
Oil change # 9th

Aluminum........3.......1
Chromium........1.......1
Iron............26......24
Copper..........3.......3
Lead............7.......6
Tin.............0.......0
Molybdenum......283.....259
Nickel..........0.......0
Manganese.......0.......0
Silver..........0.......0
Titanium........0.......0
Potassium.......3.......1
Boron...........7.......3
Silicon.........7.......9
Sodium..........5.......5
Calcuim.........3689....3400
Magnesium.......8.......10
Phosphorous.....1312....1173
Zinc............1453....1343
Barium..........0.......0
Vanadium................0
Antimony................41
SUS vis at 210 F 69.6
cSt at 100 C....12.85...13
Flashpoint......390
Fuel............2.......<0.5
Antifreeze......0
Water...........0.......<0.1 %
Insolubles......0.2.....<0.1 %

7ppm is extremely, extremely low. It's so low it's almost not worth mentioning. Start taking notice at 50ppm and concern sets in at 100ppm.

micbial -

Thanks for the reply. I was not too concerned yet. Mainly cautious since it appeared to be a "real" change. I have had several different folks tell me various things:
1)Schaeffer oil seemed to result in higher lead than their previous oil
2) Stanadyne can attack bearings w/ fuel dilution
3) My CCV re-route (to a frame rail filter and back to the intake) could be backpressuring the crancase and causing the higher lead.

My 6.0L powerstroke is really running good - just didn't want to cause my own problems ....

Thanks again,
mark

p.s. - should this post be in the oil analysis forum?

I agree with Michael. 7 is a very low number and nothing to worry about at all.

Many thanks for the replies.

My friend who first saw the lead numbers with his Schaeffer 9000, had lead ranging from 5 ppm (at a 4k interval) to 11 ppm or 12 ppm (at a 8k to 9k interval), all the way to 30 ppm at a 12k interval.

His experience is what was getting me to wondering since my OCI was low and somewhat corresponded with his 5 ppm number at 4k OCI.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bismic,

Just alittle worried about lead levels of 50 and 100 as limits quoted earlier.
My anxiety would come in a little earlier.
Anyway trending is a better tool than absolutes.

Can anybody comment on the statement about Stanadyne attacking bearings? I added Stanadyne to the fuel in 7.3 Powerstroke whenever I would fill up and currently using it in my diesel mower. I'm concerned about the possible negative effects of low and ultra low sulphur diesel and wanted the additional lubricants and detergents to maintain a clean fuel system.

quote:

Originally posted by bismic:
micbial -

Thanks for the reply. I was not too concerned yet. Mainly cautious since it appeared to be a "real" change. I have had several different folks tell me various things:
1)Schaeffer oil seemed to result in higher lead than their previous oil
2) Stanadyne can attack bearings w/ fuel dilution
3) My CCV re-route (to a frame rail filter and back to the intake) could be backpressuring the crancase and causing the higher lead.

My 6.0L powerstroke is really running good - just didn't want to cause my own problems ....

Thanks again,
mark

p.s. - should this post be in the oil analysis forum?