Oil Analysis, Thoughts on the results? UPDATED 4/20/15
 

I had an analysis done, and really dont know what Im looking at. I did some research and found that the boron level and the base number isnt anything to worry about (just a sign the oil needed to be changed), which I did at the time I sent the sample in.

I am really just wondering about the iron level (report says its moderate). Any one who has experience with the test/report please chime in. Not really looking for guesses and theories if you arent sure about it, no offense.

The PDF is below. Thanks!!!

The car is cammed.

UPDATE: Second oil analysis attached. Everything got better, still have moderate iron. it compares the first and second reports

Working on changing lifters, springs, and checking the cam now. Also switched from Amsoil Signature 5w30 to Amsoil Z-Rod 10w-30. Next oil analysis should be alot better.

UPDATE 4/20/15: Changed cam, lifters, springs, valves, and rockers. Ran some cheap oil through it for 10 minutes or so and changed it to Amsoil Z-Rod. Will do an analysis in a month or two and see what it looks like.

Iron is certainly higher than normal. Any weird noises or any performance lost from what you can tell? I don't think it's enough to start ripping the motor apart, but I'd certainly do another oil sample at your next oil change.

Iron could be engine wear, as well as rust. Do you have a short commute to work or do a lot of cold starts without letting the engine come up to temperature before shutting it off?

Thanks for the input. My commute isn't short, it's about 35-40 mins. Haven't noticed a loss in power or any noises. Engine has actually quieted down a bit since I cammed it. I actually had the car at lethal after I had a decent amount of mileage on the cam, it was there for a little while when I was on vacation, nick drove it and said its one of the better running cammed cars he's driven. So I don't think it's having any performance problems.

Considering it's cammed, I would make the assumption higher iron levels mean the lobes and/or lifters are wearing down. This seems to be pretty common for cammed cars around here, also one reason I decided to leave mine well enough alone.

Was this the first oil change since being cammed? If so I would probably send off a sample after each oil change and see if that value drops.

High Iron/water came back on my truck (DD). I attribute it from some shorter trips like you spoke of.

I had one done on my car last yr (less than 3K miles), oil looked good except for copper which is normal for these engines during break-in

I would say if you're not hearing anything, then it's most likely nothing to be worried about. I do oil samples all the time, and cars simply aren't setup to do proper sampling. Generally, you'd want a sterile sample point. One which would allow you to run some oil out of said sample point for a short amount of time to make sure there were no contaminants in the sample line to make sure you're truly seeing what is in the oil.

How was the oil sample taken? Ideally, the car should be up to temperature and the oil should be as well. Not ideal for an oil change, but it will be the most accurate way to sample. Make sure the surrounding area around the drain plug is clean. Wait until the pan is about 1/4 empty during draining until you start to take your sample. Taking it when first pulling your plug will not provide the most accurate sample.

If you were having lifter/cam issues, you would hear it. A chirp/squealing noise is a telltale sign.

Yeah, short trips will do that. If possible, it's always nice to make sure the car gets up to operating temperatures and is driven at least 10-15 miles. Doesn't happen for many people, but especially in the cold, condensation can build up and cause oxidation in the engine. It's nice to be able to clear that crap out.

My $0.02:

A couple of guys on here who did somehow manage to do an oil analysis on their Comp Cam before it failed, noticed a higher than normal Iron count in the report.

I'd be more than happy to dig those up if you don't find them.

Other then that, I have nothing else to add sir.

The fact that this is after a cam change, the iron is basically from the valve train to include the cam and lifters. Not sure what they are talking about with the Boron, that doesn't seem to be low in all the UOA's I have running ASL. How old is the ASL oil? What filter where you running?

you would hear it. A chirp/squealing noise is a telltale sign.http://goo.gl/F30geY

Thanks man, I did take it out of an oil change. Straight from the plug, probably pretty early on when it was draining. I believe the engine was warm, but probably not up to temp.

No sounds, no problems, just trying to be proactive to see if anything is going wrong.

It had a decent amount of mileage on that oil change, it definitely needed to be changed. Maybe 9,500 miles ( in my defense the oil and filter are supposed to be ok to 15k miles). I will probably start changing at 5k miles.

It is an Amsoil Filter (definitely put on an amsoil, could have been a Mobil 1 filter I took off)

Let me ask a really dumb question-
couldn't you sample the oil from the engine, vs a sample from the filter, vs. a sample from the catch can and see better results of imaging?

You can pull it out of the engine, just need a pump (which I dont have).

I didnt take it out of the filter, I took it out of the pan when I was draining it for an oil change.

I wouldnt think the evaporated/condensed oil that ends up in the catch can is a good sample because any metals probably dont come with it when it evaporates. Plus there will probably be some water along with that catch can oil.