Oil samples

[dbl overdrive]

(05-02-2016 )Rawze Wrote:  

(05-01-2016 )dbl overdrive Wrote:  Runs great. Although it is a spike in copper and aluminum, its not very much.
You guys got me thinking and with 958,000 miles I think it's time for new cam bushings.
I will tear it down this week and see how they look.
I think my truck (the guinea pig) will like it and I need the education. Lol.

At 900k + miles on it,.... If the cam bushings are gone,.. more than likely the rest of the head is going that way too. Pull the intake manifold off and look at the valve stems on a few cylinders to see if they are seeping oil. As well,.. check the clearance of the detent position of all the engine brake rockers AFTER you have set them all to 0.276 like the book specifies. If any are less than about 0.030" or so movement between the detent position and the valve,.. the head is worn out.

I do have seepage on the valves that I can see and I pulled the injector cam and the bearings are shot.
I've decided if I'm replacing the head, I'm going all the way with it.
My company has a cummins tier 1 mechanic on full time at the shop that I've become good friends with and he's going th help me do the inframe on this truck. This is what he does for a living so I trust him.
Looks like I'm going to get some education on this one.
First thing we did is dump some dye in the oil, using a special light while tearing it down will reveal any cracks or leaks.
I'll get some pics as we go but should be back up by next Wed or Thurs I hope.

[Waterloo]

Good luck dbl, it is a costly ride... ;-)

[dbl overdrive]

So we got my engine tore down and the injector cam has a spun bearing and is junk. I decided to go with a new head instead of reman and it cost 800.00 more
The collet inside the oil cooler came unseated so I have to replace the entire cooler as well.
The vgt was leaking so I got a new one. The water pump is getting replaced as well.
Overall, the engine was very clean inside.
The thing that I noticed was the oil turned pretty dark allot
faster than it normally does on this last oil change. I got very lucky on this one I think and I have many people to thank. That oil sample paid off along with other's advice.
So far,I'm in at 21,000.00 and it's going to hurt but it could be worse I guess.
Here's a few pics.
I have almost everything except the injector cam so we're gonna be busy all weekend on this thing. I'm hoping to be up and running by sometime next week.

[dbl overdrive]

The engine is littered with shavings so we'll take our time and clean all the journals and everything .
Here's a few more pics of the rest of the bearings.

[snailexpress]

Thank you for posting. It's good example how oil analysis can save your engine and money. I would recommend to do oil analysis before oil change in two-three different places to have it more accurate. Copper in analysis means you have to plan repair soon.
Copper and aluminum or copper and nickel means you have to repair it right now.

[dbl overdrive]

The advice I got from you guys and the sample saved my but so thanks to everyone.