High silicon reading in oil sample

[KRAUSEGB]

Oil analysis have shown high silicon reading (22ppm) the last three times.
I have cleaned the filters according to the recommended methods each time but still getting these high readings.
Anyone have some ideas as to how I am getting dirt entering the induction system or is it something else?

Gary

[cajunwings]

Look over entire induction system carefully. All clamps, hoses and gaskets are suspect. Also look at how well the airfilter seals to the airbox.

Don Broussard

RV 9 Rebuild in Progress

[brooksrv6]

Last time I had that is was the alternate air door being sucked open (the original one with the magnet latch)

[BillL]

Originally Posted by KRAUSEGB

Oil analysis have shown high silicon reading (22ppm) the last three times.
I have cleaned the filters according to the recommended methods each time but still getting these high readings.
Anyone have some ideas as to how I am getting dirt entering the induction system or is it something else?

Gary

Some good ideas here, have you used RTV as a gasket sealant before the first high silicon samples? See Blackstone site and silicon.

[terrykohler]

I saw a spike when I changed from cork to silicone.

Terry, CFI
RV9A N323TP

[vic syracuse]

Are you using DC-4 or other silicone lubricant for the oil filter gasket? I have noticed that will cause a spike.

Vic

[Sink]

High readings on occasions are common especially with silicone. It is not cause for alarm. It can come from several sources. Look for trends and not always a single test. If a reading is serious then take another sample in 10 hours or so. Make sure your samples come from have way through the oil drain. You do not want the top or bottom oil from the tank. With your higher than normal silicone sample I would just wait until the next oil change. Keep the air filters clean and keep products with silicone away from the fuel system.

[KRAUSEGB]

Thanks for the input on possible sources of silicon.

Question-Is there a problem if it turns out that the source in RTV contamination? Is this a serious problem with the engine, causing wear as would be the case with sand/dirt?

Gary

[daveyator]

As I understand it, silica is dirt, and silicone and silica are quite different from one another. I think
DaveH
120485

[DaleB]

Originally Posted by daveyator

As I understand it, silica is dirt, and silicone and silica are quite different from one another. I think
DaveH
120485

That's what I thought too, and I was a little confused... so I looked them up.

Silicones are polymers that include any inert, synthetic compound made up of repeating units of siloxane, which is a chain of alternating silicon atoms and oxygen atoms, frequently combined with carbon and/or hydrogen.

Silica: the dioxide form of silicon, SiO 2, occurring especially as quartz sand, flint, and agate

So... silica and silicone can, if I understand correctly now, both be a source of silicon in an oil sample. Maybe if I'd had a better Chem teacher in high school I'd have known that before I was a hundred years old.