Forum Discussion

tkranz's avatar
tkranz
Explorer
Jun 21, 2015

Cummins 5.9 ISB - metal in oil samples

I have had two oil samples in a row show high metal particle content in the oil; chromium, I believe, especially. The motor has 130,000 miles, and is running perfectly. After first oil sample showed metal, I took a chance and drove from Arizona back to New York. No problems.

Cummins of Western New York in Buffalo changed the oil, took another sample, and their techs listened to the motor. They agreed that it is running and sounding normally.

What experience have you folks had with abnormal oil samples predicting motor failures?

Cummins advises monitoring and driving, then resampling once again. Their advice is also, if I don't want to continue to gamble, tear the motor down in place. Pull the head and look for cylinder scoring, and drop the pan and pull some bearing caps.
Class A
  • PF_PM's avatar
    PF_PM
    Explorer
    Jun 22, 2015
    Had a friend spend 12K on his Cat engine in his boat because of "excessive " aluminum in the samples. I wonder if the testing lab was sloppy because when they pulled it apart to rebuild they could find nothing wrong.. just sayin' !
  • Dale_Traveling's avatar
    Dale_Traveling
    Explorer II
    Jun 22, 2015
    Scott G is correct. Chrome is mostly in from rings but what was the parts per million (PPM) from the report of the two samples? Was the level a touch high or excessive? Do you only have two samples to base the concern? The PPM level will dictate how aggressive you might need to go after this.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jun 22, 2015
    Chrome is from rings, tappets or cam.
    If you have an older 5.9 you will have a tappet cover that can be removed for inspection - which will give you a much better shot than the pan.
  • Born_To_Travel's avatar
    Born_To_Travel
    Explorer
    Jun 22, 2015
    I see your rig only has 130,000 on it... Is it still under a warranty?... I would have them drop the pan and check the bearings... Chromium in the oil usually comes from either bearing material or ring material..
  • hanko's avatar
    hanko
    Explorer
    Jun 21, 2015
    Id still pull the pan and have a look, not really a big deal for a cummins shop
  • tkranz's avatar
    tkranz
    Explorer
    Jun 21, 2015
    Cummins did cut open the oil filter on most recent oil change, and found nothing abnormal in the filter.
  • hanko's avatar
    hanko
    Explorer
    Jun 21, 2015
    I would pull the pan and look at the main and rods bearings. you can also cut the oil filter open with a large pipe cutter. that should tell you whats goig on

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