2005 VW Touareg 3.2 V6

[xonetruthcrewx]

Well Hello everyone. First post here. Got a 3 sample history here for you all to dig in to. It is from my 2005 VW Touareg 3.2 V6. Oil used on all samples below was Castrol Syntec 5w-40. As you can all see, the first one was pretty nasty. I had this idea of extending the oil change interval so I went for 8500 miles. We don't drive the Treg too much and that 8500 miles took 18 months. So that wasnt a good call...

Figure I should also throw in a few words on how the Treg is typically driven. Mostly it is just around town. When the Wife takes the kids to school and running random errands. Twice a month it gets out on the freeway for about 200 miles each time. That trip consists of going from 4000ft down to sea level and then back.

At the last oil change I switched oil. After a little looking I went with Amsoil 5w-40 European Full SAPS. Not sure if it will do anything for me, but why not give it a shot. So the next UOA will be from that oil. Going for 6 month changes going forward. Most likely there will be no more than 4000 miles on the oil by then.

Anyways, if I forgot to put forth any necessary info, just ask. Not too worried about the condition of the engine at this time, but future UOA results will definitely be watched closely. I look forward to what you guys have to say. Thanks.

 

[Garak]

I don't think the first one is as bad as you do, particularly when you look at the numbers per mile, and your TBN held up fine.

 

[xonetruthcrewx]

Iron dropped big time from the first sample to the present, normal now. But the Copper is the one that was way high and has yet to drop to normal numbers. You dont think that is an area of concern?

But yes, the TBN was good to go. I dont even have it measured now that I am changing oil every 4000 miles or so.

 

[Garak]

I'm not so sure on the copper. We'll have to let someone with more expertise chime in on that one. The iron really isn't much of a concern, especially when you factor in the mileage differences.

 

[xonetruthcrewx]

Copper = Brass/Bronze = Bearings. But yes, I am hoping the experts chime in.

 

[cchase]

Copper bearings?...

 

[xonetruthcrewx]

Originally Posted By: cchase
Copper bearings?...


Blackstone said the the Copper reading is Brass/Bronze and that is bearings. I have not dug into the internal makeup of this motor so I really don't know...

 

[JAG]

There is quite a bit of fuel dilution. If the oil in each was Castrol 5W-40, those in the last 2 used oil analysis were a reformulated version. The older version always was mediocre, in my opinion. The copper could be from corrosion of oil cooler (if present). Amsoil 5W-40 should be a good oil. I'd probably use Mobil 1 0W-40. On the next fill I'd skip getting a used oil analysis so that stabilization will have occurred by the time you run Amsoil twice, and get a used oil analysis on that fill.

 

[xonetruthcrewx]

Fuel dilution.... This beast runs rich when its not fully warmed up. And when I say fully warmed up I mean a good 10 minutes of freeway driving. And being that the Wife mostly drives it around town and it never get ups to optimal operating temps..... there you have it.

As for the oil cooler comment. It does indeed have an oil cooler. So interesting theory there. Maybe I will try swapping it out...

 

[JAG]

No need to swap out the oil cooler. The copper sheds the most when it's new. What you want to happen is for it to develop a stable oxidation layer that protects it from new corrosion.

 

[xonetruthcrewx]

I take it back. No oil cooler. I was thinking of the transmission cooler... Errrrr.

 

[JAG]

So there is no coolant/oil heat exchanger on your engine? They have been very common on VWs throughout its history. On mine, it's what the oil filter screws onto.

 

[xonetruthcrewx]

I know exactly what you're talking about. I used to have a 2005 Audi A4 1.8T Avant and it had that style cooler. Not too sure about this engine though, I would have to go look. It is a completely different setup. Cartridge filter instead of a spin on.

I will take a look when I get a chance.

Even if it does, is it expected that its letting off Copper at 68000 miles? Definitely not new at this point.

 

[e40]

My Audi always had fuel dilution until I went ahead and changed out all the PCV components. My 1.8T didn't have a single PCV valve, it was 5 or 6 check valves if I recall correctly.

 

[tig1]

Originally Posted By: xonetruthcrewx
Copper = Brass/Bronze = Bearings. But yes, I am hoping the experts chime in.


The bearing material is probably babbit that has lead and tin in it. Bearings will have a copper under layment so to get to the copper the babbit will have to be gone. Since your lead and tin PPM are fine you will not have bearing problems. Now some engines today(Fords for example) have a bi metal bearing made of aluminum and silicon. IMO you are good to go. GM engines often show higher copper as well but that doesn't effect the longivity of the engine. used oil analysis frankly, create more worry and doubt in drivers minds than detect real engine problems.

 

[FZ1]

Looks like 4500 max oci. You see what happens when you run it 8500 with all that fuel.

 

[xonetruthcrewx]

Originally Posted By: tig1
Originally Posted By: xonetruthcrewx
Copper = Brass/Bronze = Bearings. But yes, I am hoping the experts chime in.


The bearing material is probably babbit that has lead and tin in it. Bearings will have a copper under layment so to get to the copper the babbit will have to be gone. Since your lead and tin PPM are fine you will not have bearing problems. Now some engines today(Fords for example) have a bi metal bearing made of aluminum and silicon. IMO you are good to go. GM engines often show higher copper as well but that doesn't effect the longivity of the engine. used oil analysis frankly, create more worry and doubt in drivers minds than detect real engine problems.


Your last line there made me laugh. Just too true! Haha.

Thanks for the info you provided. Very informative!

 

[xonetruthcrewx]

Originally Posted By: FZ1
Looks like 4500 max oci. You see what happens when you run it 8500 with all that fuel.


I would have to agree with you. I am going to go for a 6 month OCI going forward. And with the limited amount of driving the Wife does, I doubt it will get to 4500ish in that time frame.

 

[Brons2]

Other than the copper, the first report isn't that bad.

I would try Mobil 1 0w40 for it's wide availability and excellent demonstrated performance.

 

[FZ1]

I like the 6 month oci. October and April for me.