Amsoil ASL 5w30, 9K, 04 Chevy Tahoe, 224K

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Oil was changed at the time of sample. Cold air intake was installed at 216K miles that replaced the entire air intake assembly, including the MAF. Good news was that I haven't had any more MAF codes trip, but bad news is that it seems to have made no difference at all in silicon levels. Also sounds like with the streaks of lead, the engine may be getting ready to throw a bearing...

Make/Model: GM 5.3L V-8
Vehicle: 2004 Chevy Tahoe

Code:


OIL Ams ASL Ams ASL Ams ASL Ams ASL Ams ASL Ams ASL

MILES IN USE 9,129 9,213 10,045 9,037 9,246 8,124

MILES ON UNIT 224,106 214,977 205,764 195,719 186,682 177,436

SAMPLE TAKEN 7/14/17 1/2/17 7/15/16 12/14/15 6/29/15 11/30/14

MAKE UP OIL 0.5 0 0 0 0 0



ALUMINUM 4 3 4 3 4 3

CHROMIUM 0 1 1 0 0 0

IRON 13 12 15 11 12 9

COPPER 11 13 11 12 10 12

LEAD 24 11 22 13 30 7

TIN 0 0 0 0 5 0

MOLYBDENUM 141 138 130 143 160 144

NICKEL 1 1 1 2 1 0

MANGANESE 0 0 0 1 0 0

SILVER 0 0 0 0 0 0

TITANIUM 0 0 0 0 0 0

POTASSIUM 2 1 2 4 4 0

BORON 53 39 42 36 61 45

SILICON 29 28 30 35 28 31

SODIUM 9 9 11 10 9 9

CALCIUM 3039 3191 2928 3570 3461 3247

MAGNESIUM 13 13 13 17 14 12

PHOSPHORUS 558 648 558 655 627 702

ZINC 661 748 628 773 800 801

BARIUM 0 0 0 0 0 0



SUS @ 210F 64.4 63.8 68.8 66.0 62.6 64.6

Visc @ 100C 11.45 11.29 12.64 11.88 10.94 11.51

Flashpoint 445 445 400 410 420 430

Fuel %
Antifreeze % 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Water % 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Insolubles % 0.2 0.4 0.5 0.3 0.2 0.4

TBN 3.1 3.0 2.2 3.3 3.3 3.1




Blackstone Inc Comments:
Lead is back up in this report and in the past, we've attributed that to particle streaks here and there. That might be true, but looking at the overall trend, we could be seeing excess bearing wear. We typically see steady wear from healthy engines, so erratic trends can indicate trouble. We aren't ready to make that call here, especially since other metals look great, but lead is certainly something to watch. Monitor oil pressure in case it starts reading lower than usual. The thick viscosity is fine and the TBN was strong, but stay under 10K miles for now and check back.
 
How do you like your Tahoe? I am a big toyota guy and love my truck but being a dad here in a month is making me want a dad vehicle....the 4 runners used cost too much but the tahoe seems nice.
 
With copper and lead somewhat high, there is likely a bearing problem. You have gotten over 200k from the engine and probably can go more.

When looking for air leaks, look beyond the normal stuff. But wait for another oil change before you say the replacement of the air intake did not help lower the silicon.
 
Improve air filtration if at all possible as a step 1 as others have said.

Your's isn't the flex fuel 5.3 is it?

This ACDelco A3181C Professional air filter looks like the best option for your stock replacement:

https://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-A3181C-Professional-Air-Filter/dp/B00PM374FO

It's made in the USA compared to several China outsourced. However, Fram may be a decent alternative to the AC Delco such as this model CA8755A. I don't know the efficiency ratings on these, but would definitely make sure your intake is sealed with no leaks.
 
Originally Posted By: Ammofirst
Would running oil high in moly help any ?


That oil he is using looks very high in moly to me.

I have an 03 Suburban with the same engine and almost the same miles.. im running Shell 5w40 in mine.
 
I can assure you it's not the air filter. I've replaced the stock air box, tried K&N, Wix, and Amsoil air filters. And on this most recent I replaced the MAF and installed a specter cold air intake which replaces all OEM tubing up to the throttle body. I really expected to see a big reduction in silicon on this run...

Any downside to trying a heavier oil?
 
Yes, this is the flex fuel motor. Have not run E85 since owning the vehicle (bought at 119K miles)
 
Afaik, the only downside to going up to 40 grade is worse MPG. You may consider installing a pre-filter dust wrap or getting a filter that includes one.
 
For example, aFe has a Pro Guard 7 filter that is oiled but seems pretty hefty. I know some K&N cone filters come with matching pre-filter wraps.

http://afepower.com/stock-replacement-and-universal-performance-air-filters

Otherwise could you make your own pre-wrap that is water repellent? That's the nice thing about pre-wraps.

IMO, whatever it takes to sanely reduce Si readings and perhaps trying a 40 grade for a couple OCI is the best recommendations going forward. You could try anything from M1 0w40 since it's sold in gal at WM now or something like Rotella 10w30 since as an HDEO alternative or the M1 5w40 HDEO.
 
Considering si hasn't changed with 4 different filter brands, and completely replacing the air intake system, I don't think that's where it would be coming from. Any other suggestions where it could be getting in at?
 
With this continuing problem with what appears to be bearing wear, I'm surprised you haven't tried a heavier oil.

Being an Amsoil guy, I'd get some XL 10W-40 in there for a 7-8k run and see how it does if I were you!
 
I have that same flex fuel 5.3 in a 2002 burb. What is the hths for the asl oil your running? As others have said, I too would go up a grade. If it's not burning / using a lot of oil how about Amsoil 15w-40 hdeo ?
 
Originally Posted By: Ammofirst
I have that same flex fuel 5.3 in a 2002 burb. What is the hths for the asl oil your running? As others have said, I too would go up a grade. If it's not burning / using a lot of oil how about Amsoil 15w-40 hdeo ?

HTHS in the 5W-30 SSO is 3.1 I believe.
 
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