Silicon in UOA's

[Dale_Knight]

I see some silicon contamination of UOA samples attributed to seals, but how is seal silicon getting into the oil. If from seals shedding some bulk excess material would most of this not be caught in the oil filter after a couple of changes or if the silicon is from some leaching process is this not a problem; ie: the oil dissolving and degrading the exposed seal face. In vehicles which have high initial 'seal silicon numbers' does this contamination in samples generally go away with time. If the silicon is from some seal degradation is this just a general oil problem or something that is specific to certain group types of oils. Thanks.

 

[Quest]

typical elevated silicon reading in UOA comes from either (a) ingestion of sand/grit due to poor air filtration, and/or (b) silicone RTV sealant leaching into the oil.

No, automotive seals of all/any kind aren't made with silicone, period.

Q.