BCM Community

I am looking at a bus to buy. It is a 1966 4106 with a DD871/ I had an oil analysis done and the levels of lead and iron came back a little high. The current owner has the bus about a year and has not changed the oil. He said he drove about 2000 miles. He said he doesn't know when the previous owner changed the oil. The iron is 115 ppm and lead 10ppm.

Link to copy of report
http://www.sweeney153.com/oil_report.htm (http://www.sweeney153.com/oil_report.htm)

Comments from Lab
KEVIN: We found iron and lead reading higher than average in this sample from the bus you're considering buying. Universal averages show typical wear levels for this type of engine after about 6500 miles on the oil. Without knowing how many miles were on this oil sample, it's a little hard to tell if this is normal wear, or if a problem is developing in the cylinders (iron) and the bearings (lead). Viscosity is consistent with a 30W oil, and there was no fuel or coolant present. Due to the higher iron and lead, we suggest looking things over closely before making your decision.


Any an all opinions would ne appreciated


Thanks

Kevin Sweeney 153

Kevin, if that is a fresh rebuilt 8v71 with less than 50,000 miles those numbers are not bad without a previous sample it is hard to tell.
I know these guys always tell people to get a sample but without another sample to compare too they don't do much good for showing normal wear all engines wear different .  


good luck

.

There is also a very good chance that it does not have the right oil in it.

QuoteThere is also a very good chance that it does not have the right oil in it.

Len your right the lab said its 30 weight and the current owner said he topped it off with 10w30.

   Being in that business, 144 ppm of iron would indicate possible crankshaft ware. 115ppm you might want to keep an eye on.

  Those will probably change (lower) with new oil.  Also remember, even tho there is only 2000 miles on the oil and it has been

  sometime since it was changed as indicated oil will form nitrates.  Just my 2 cents worth.

  Steve 5B.....

First post said the PO had not changed oil and had driven it 2000 miles and did not know how long since the last oil change.  Report said levels are consistant with 6500 miles on oil.  Maybe the oil has 6500 miles on it. That would mean the bus had been driven 4500 miles before the PO bought it. 4500 miles on oil is not unusual.  Jack