UOA's show engine wear with pressure boxes

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Sun Mar 30, 2008 5:23 pm

Okay, as some of you know, I’ve been performing an oil analysis using the Amsoil HD 5W30 on my Cummins @ 4,000 mile intervals. I have ran separate oil changes with and without the Pressure Box to compare data. Based on what I have gathered from reading my UOA’s, and comparing to other Cummins’ owners UOA’s who are running the same by-pass and the exact same oil, there is a noticeable difference in the condition of the oil when running the pressure box. I’m assuming, based on UOA data, that my Cummins with the Workhorse Module (Same as Dr. Performance module) is beating up the oil. Don’t get me wrong, the 5W30 total base number is nice and high which tells me the oil is suitable for a longer duration, but the additive package almost looks like I’m running a different oil. :shock:

For some reason I have a much higher copper level than what I’ve seen before, however, the analyzers did not flag it with concern. The extra power is nice and the extra fuel economy is nice, but the oil DOES take a beating and DOES decrease the longevity of the oil. For those of you who are not running a high quality synthetic oil, then you might be risking some degree of engine protection when running aftermarket modules or chips, especially at longer intervals. I will continue to monitor engine protection, but I think I’m taking the module out permanently. Something about high fuel rail pressure scares me! With the pressure box, I can safely run 8,000 miles on an oil change (50% pulling/50% empty), whereas, without the pressure box, I can run at least 20,000 + mile intervals. I’ve never tested beyond the 20,000 mile interval. Anyway, food for thought.

gmctd · **Posted:** Sun Mar 30, 2008 6:01 pm

How much of that powerbox capacity is used simply for polluting, blowing billowing clouds of black smoke?

Answer truthfully, or the comparitive input is invalid..........................

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Sun Mar 30, 2008 7:05 pm

gmctd wrote:

How much of that powerbox capacity is used simply for polluting, blowing billowing clouds of black smoke?

Answer truthfully, or the comparitive input is invalid..........................

I drove very conservative, but as far as I know, the Workhorse module didn't blow much smoke, or if it did, it was very minimal. Correct me if I’m wrong, but if I was blowing smoke, then wouldn't my mpg decrease, meaning that I was over-fueling? In the case scenario of the Workhorse, I saw a increase in fuel economy. I was actually seeing 16 mpg pulling a 7,500 lb, 8 foot wide, 10.5 foot tall, and 30.5 foot long travel trailer down the road at 65 mph. Pulling without the Workhorse, I average 14 mpg.

gmctd · **Posted:** Sun Mar 30, 2008 7:33 pm

No prob - I sorta broadsided you, there - I'm a member of at least 6 Diesel forums, post on more, over the last 10yrs - particularly on the Dodge Cummins forums, first question from ~3 out of very 4 newbies is: "hi guys noob here - I wanna smoke - how do i make it smoke?" - just making sure you're in the 25% minority, as the roiling black smoke pollutes the oil, significantly, rendering any comparison as invalid

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Sun Mar 30, 2008 7:39 pm

gmctd wrote:

No - I sorta broadsided you, there - I'm a member of at least 6 Diesel forums, post on more, over the last 10yrs - particularly on the Dodge Cummins forums, first question from ~3 out of very 4 newbies is: "hi guys noob here - I wanna smoke - how do i make it smoke ?" - just making sure you're in the 25% minority, as the roiling black smoke pollutes the oil, significantly

Wait, you just reminded me, I do run TCW3, do you think that might have been the problem? :oops:

I’m running 1 oz of 2 stroke to 1 gallon of diesel fuel.

gmctd · **Posted:** Sun Mar 30, 2008 8:08 pm

You could try eliminating the TCW3 between one sample set, noting any difference

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Sun Mar 30, 2008 8:45 pm

I got better wear numbers running the Amsoil AME15-40 Heavy Duty Diesel and Marine. I had the Series 3000 in before and the AME pereformed better.

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Sun Mar 30, 2008 11:08 pm

DarbyWalters wrote:

I got better wear numbers running the Amsoil AME15-40 Heavy Duty Diesel and Marine. I had the Series 3000 in before and the AME pereformed better.

The Amsoil 15W40 is cheaper, I'll have to give it a try on the next interval. That suprises me that you got better wear numbers using the 15W40 vs the 5W30.

DocB · **Posted:** Sun Mar 30, 2008 11:40 pm

Darby, other than better wear #'s, have you noticed any other differences running the 15W-X as compared to 0W-X or 5W-X? I'm just about to do a little experimenting myself due to undesireable results from UOA. I've been running what they told me to run, and I don't like what I see. Was planning on M1 TDT at oil change tomorrow, jumping from 0W to a 5W, and a true diesel oil. I've been following you on your oil choice, and am curious what you have to say.

BTW-I wouldn't have believed it unless I saw it with my own eyes. I have installed a FS-2500 on the 7.3L PSD 5K ago. The oil looks the same as the day I put it in. We'll see what Blackstone has to say. They now make a kit for the CRD and I'm thinking about it.

But how about that Amsoil AME in the CRD?

mrkake · **Posted:** Sun Mar 30, 2008 11:52 pm

I am just about due for an oil change and I am just curious (don't flame me for my ignorance please), what is a pressure box? Is it similar to a bypass filtration system? If they make one for the CRD, where do you find the room to install one and who makes it?

gmctd · **Posted:** Mon Mar 31, 2008 1:00 am

He's talking a power box, convinces ECM that more power is needed, like Edge and Predator and Superchips and such - gives more fuel pressure and Boost pressure

onthehunt · **Posted:** Mon Mar 31, 2008 1:03 am

Pressure box is a generic term for a performance/tuner box like the Predator module you have in your rig.

mrkake · **Posted:** Tue Apr 01, 2008 2:39 am

Got it. Thanks for the education

UOA's show engine wear with pressure boxes

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