blackstone labs - silicone in oil??

[northern piper]

So I've sent 2 different oil samples to Blackstone labs for evaluation. They both came back with "silicone in the oil". The first sample was 30 units, second sample was 38 units, universal value should be 17 units. I don't know what measurement units were talking about here. Anyway, the advice they've given is to change the air filter. I guess they're thinking that silicone from dirt is getting into the intake and a dirty filter wouldn't be doing its full job. So, I'm going to change the filter now, I didn't either time before as it was pretty new.

Has anyone sent a sample to Blackstone for their windstar? If so, did you happen to get a high silicone value? Anyone have any theories on this? We do have a crushed granite (gravel) driveway which I guess may have sand and therefore silicone which could be the cause. I dunno.

Thoughts appreciated.

Piper

[kaniff82]

Originally Posted by northern piper

So I've sent 2 different oil samples to Blackstone labs for evaluation. They both came back with "silicone in the oil". The first sample was 30 units, second sample was 38 units, universal value should be 17 units. I don't know what measurement units were talking about here. Anyway, the advice they've given is to change the air filter. I guess they're thinking that silicone from dirt is getting into the intake and a dirty filter wouldn't be doing its full job. So, I'm going to change the filter now, I didn't either time before as it was pretty new.

Has anyone sent a sample to Blackstone for their windstar? If so, did you happen to get a high silicone value? Anyone have any theories on this? We do have a crushed granite (gravel) driveway which I guess may have sand and therefore silicone which could be the cause. I dunno.

Thoughts appreciated.

Piper

Silicone seems like something that might be in a lot of oil additives

[12Ounce]

I have not yet used Blackstone for my Winny's oil, but I had already pulled a sample ... just not sent it in yet.

I have had a report from them on our Mazda MPV V6. It had been run very hot ... no coolant. The "silicon" was at 11 ... the "universal average" being 9. Silicon is the basic element that is found in a number of things. Silica/sand (SiO2) is an oxide of silicon ... that would be the stuff from your driveway. But if they mentioned "silicone", a polymer of silicon (for example, SiOC2H6, IIRC) I would be scratching my head also. Lubricant, as mentioned above, ??? .... or coolant ... did they mention antifreeze?

[tomj76]

12Ounce makes a good point... there's a big difference between Silicone and Silicon.

The thing about silicon is that, as an element that is extremely common in the earth's crust in the form of various compounds, it even could be a component of the oil that you are using. Some lubricants use silicon as a component. The most common form of silicon by far is (as mentioned) SiO2, which is essentially the same as glass or sand.

On the other hand, silicone is much less common in the enviornment, but it could be easily found in oil because RTV and silicone are essentially the same thing (RTV stands for Room Temperature Vulcanizing). The reusable gaskets found on the oil pan, valve covers, and upper intake manifold are made of a silicone based rubber. Many mechanics use liquid RTV silicone to form gaskets when one needs replaced. Since it is used in many places, the reading could be an indication that a gasket is breaking down and 'dissolving' into the oil.

[northern piper]

you know what? It is silicon (not siliconE). I had foolishly and too quickly read the report twice and didn't think to pay that much attention. Yes 12ounce, you're right. I had half thought about gasket material, the slick 50 I used about 10 oil changes ago... all sorts of stuff we guys tend to consider while 1/2 thinking about windstar problems.

So, as it is silicon I'm thinking it's likely from my 150 foot driveway. I also can't help but think when something pops up in a sample like this that Blackstone gets repeat business by saying "run the new oil for 5000km and we'll check it again". Don't get me wrong, I think they offer real insight into your vehicle's health but I'm also confident that they want repeat business.

Piper

[12Ounce]

Well, keep in mind that the "silicon" number is inclusive of anything that includes silicon ... that means silicon (say .. from piston ring metal, for example), silicone (perhaps the gaskets as Tomj76 mentions), and silica (from your driveway). They don't dice it up any closer for us.

But their suggestion may be "right on" ... the air filter cartridge is very easy to get wrong if a person tries to replace the filter leaving the cartridge in the car. I suggest folks remove the whole plastic-body cartridge ... put it on the work bench ... and then replace the filter element. Just like is spelled out in the Haynes manual. Only then can a good seal be effected.

And with that long driveway ... any vacuum leak anywhere becomes extra important.

[wiswind]

The air going INTO the crankcase to replace the air that goes OUT through the PCV valve is supposed to have passed through the air filter.

One thing to check is that the plastic tube that goes from the big flexible line that goes from the air filter/MAF unit to the throttle body is correctly seated in the front valve cover (1995-1998) or the rear valve cover (1999 and newer).....and that the oil fill cap is tight and the seal is still good (they are cheap)......and that the dipstick is fully seated so that it is sealed.

These are possible entry points for unfiltered air...which will draw dust into the crankcase.
Keep in mind that the crankase will be at a slight vaccum......due to the air being drawn out through the PCV valve.......so the points that I mention are potential sources of dust getting into the oil.

I agree with the remove the whole air filter/MAF "bullet" when changing the air filter......then split.....replace filter .....seal up....and re-install the whole bullet.

[12Ounce]

... and the notorious upper/spacer/intake hold-down bolts and seals. Could be leaking... tho not enough (yet) to cause codes.