RLI 5W-40 questions

[harrydog]

I've been using this oil in my Subaru Outback with the H6 engine with good results, but I have a couple questions.
A VOA that was posted for this oil indicates that it contained 207 ppm of copper. The two used oil analysis I've had done with this oil show about 90 ppm of copper which would be alarming were it not for the copper already in the oil. But why is it less with the used oil analysis than with the VOA? I would assume that the copper is "used up" as the oil is run in the engine. Can anyone explain that? The problem is, I can't tell how much copper wear is really happening.
Also, the VOA on this oil indicated 9 ppm of silicon. What would be the reason for that? Silicon in a used oil analysis often indicates dirt getting past the air filter. Can I just subtract the 9 ppm from the amount in my used oil analysis to get an idea of how much dirt is entering the engine or would the silicon from the VOA be "used up" as well during use?

 

[buster]

Have you called Bill at RLI and asked him? He would be glad to give you the correct virgin amounts. I would call him.

When people were saying Redline is using aluminum as an additive, I called them and they told me it wasn't. Always best to go to the main source for this type of info.

 

[Johnny]

Most oils have some silicon in them. They use it as an anti-foam agent.

Agree with buster, call Bill.