Decided to send sample in during oil change. Would like the pros here to weigh in. apologize if photo upload shows up blurry
I understand there will usually always be something wearing out but would be nice to hear opinions on the general health of this engine for its age and a weekend driver
You've got bearing wear that's a bit on the high side (higher lead reading), and your air filtration isn't that good (high silicon). Your oil is being diluted a bit with fuel, which causes the viscosity to be a little lower than it should be. Analysis showed a trace of fuel in the oil.
What did Blackstone have to say about it? Hard to tell but it looks like they flagged the aluminum as high also, but 8 isn't that bad (although I've never had an oil analysis done on a gas engine). Blackstone's comments are usually pretty generic, but they do have some insight, as they've done millions of UOA's.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
Yes they are pretty generic which is why I left them out to get opinions without seeing what they said first. Agreed on the air filtration not sure if need different air cleaner or intake leak somewhere.
Interested if the bearing wear could be showing from using leaded fuel in the past/lead additive now.
Any ideas about the solutions to fuel dilution in these old motors?
Not knowing what kind of air cleaner you have, I can't say. Probably wouldn't be an intake leak, as that would affect running and idling.
Also don't think past leaded fuel would affect it (would have long ago been flushed out), but if you're using a lead additive currently, that might do it.
Fuel dilution probably means you're running a bit rich, or you're getting some fuel leakage after running (carb float set too high? assuming downdraft carb.)
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
A single oil analysis tells exactly nothing about the engine. If it's done on a routine basis and there's a sudden spike in something, then it's time to do some further investigation. That's how the USAF monitored engines and scheduled preventive maintenance and/or engine changes, and it's also why big trucking companies analyze oil samples on a routine basis. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
I do run lead additive but have only owned it for about 30 gallons of running time don’t know if previous owner did.
Any suggestions on air cleaner?
The thermostat wasn’t working and I just fixed that so I’m hoping the engine running cold for who knows how long with previous owner is cause for rich fuel mixture just my guess
33 Years. Now with a '61 261, 848 head, Rochester Monojet carb, SM420 4-speed, 4.10 rear, dual reservoir MC, Bendix up front, 235/85R16 tires, 12-volt w/alternator, electric wipers and a modern radio in the glove box.
What Jerry said. A single UOA doesn't tell very much, but the high silicon is an outlier. Usually means getting dust into the engine.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
