- Engine:
- C4.4 (S/N: 4441-UP)
- C6.6 (S/N: 6661-UP)
High copper levels that are reported in routine sampling of the engine oil are not necessarily indicative of excessive engine wear. Some engine lubricating oils are known to react with engine components that contain copper. The reaction between the lubricating oil and the engine components that contain copper can lead to sudden, significant increases of copper levels in the engine oil. Trend analysis should be used to investigate the high copper levels that are detected in the engine oil. This is done by using many previous engine oil samples from the same engine. If the rise in copper is sudden the most likely cause is a chemical reaction with the lubricating oil. The sudden increase in copper may be a direct result of a change in brand of engine oil or additive package.
Increased copper levels of this nature should not result in any excessive concern. The copper levels will slowly return to normal levels after subsequent oil changes. Engine disassembly should not be a direct result of high copper levels. Further investigation is recommended if the engine is showing other signs of degradation.
The recommended action for investigating high copper levels in the engine oil is a premature change of the oil and the oil filter followed by the close monitoring of the oil samples. Opening the used oil filter may help in identifying high levels of copper in the engine oil. High copper because of a chemical interaction will not be visible but copper resulting from wear should be visible in the form of small copper particles.