Originally Posted by Bdsankey
Originally Posted by oakaro68
Originally Posted by Bdsankey
Originally Posted by dnewton3
As for the wear; it's pretty normal. The Cu is common if you've recently switched to Amsoil; a reaction of chelation. The Pb is probably a spike that will subside; happened to mine once. There's no Pb associated with the cooler.
I presume you are only sampling and not OCI'ing? It's far too soon to be dumping lube.
I don't really understand why you're upgrading the oil cooler. Do you have the LB7 significantly "tuned up" to where it's producing a LOT more power (heat)? Do you track the oil temps; is there evidence they are too high?
I am just sampling, not dumping. The latest oil sample went out yesterday to OAI and should have results to post back on Friday or Monday. Yes I have recently switched. Previously the truck had Cenpeco S3 15W40 in it (
Cenpeco S3 Data Sheet). The reason I switched was purely because Amsoil sponsored Diesel Power Challenge 2019 and provided me with 10gal free of any engine oil. I chose 15W40 Heavy Duty Diesel Marine since I've run it in the past as a child (all my dad used in his pickups/HD equipment) and the results were good. It also was all that was used in my 2005 duramax by the previous owner. At 342k when the motor was torn down (replaced due to bent connecting rod) all the bearings looked absolutely brand new and held clearance within manufacturer's spec for new. The engine in this 2002 is a little tired (some blow-by that I don't like, lower oil pressure than I'd like which is 20psi hot/40 psi cruising down the freeway hot and towing) but it hasn't shown me any signs it needs to be replaced yet. I am planning on running the remaining 7.5 gallons of Amsoil 15W40 HD Diesel Marine through this engine but will only change once this forum or the testing indicates a need.
Before this year I've always done 5k drain intervals on all my diesel pickups. Yes, I understand this was wasting money as the oil did not warrant a replacement but it was what I've done since I was a child and kept up with it regularly. My other truck gets an oil change every 8 sled hooks or 1000mi but it also makes 1300hp+ and money isn't an issue there. I eventually plan on going back to Cenpeco S3 oil once this stock of Amsoil is depleted. They were also gracious enough to provide me with 10gal of Torque Drive ATF (my favorite synthetic ATF for an Allison) that will be going in the transmission once it is built this winter.
The reason for upgrading the cooler is to manage oil temps while towing heavy. Duramax trucks are quite known to run hot oil temps when towing quite heavy (~15k+). The new 2020 oil cooler is a cheap investment as it is roughly $250 for all the required parts to install. I do have the truck tuned but only run on a 75hp tow tune. Coolant temps stay in check (under 200F) as well as trans temps (under 200F) when towing in 90F-95F ambient conditions grossing 24k lbs.
What was the bent rod from? what the truck tuned? That's pretty impressive about the bearings/clearances!
LB7/LLY duramax trucks (01-05) have very weak connecting rods from the factory. They tend to fail north of 650hp, especially on a drop-in upgraded turbo or compound turbos. I had an upgraded drop-in turbo with upgraded injectors and pump. The truck made ~700hp/1200tq.
Well (edit - mod) more than double stock power and bearing clearances were good as new after 342k miles. Seems like every day I have more respect for the Duramax