Solids - Lubricating Oil Analysis
Solids represent a measurement of all solid and solid-like constituents in the lubricant. The makeup of solids depends on the system. In diesel engines, fuel soot is usually the major constituent measured. In non-diesel components, wear debris and oil oxidation products are measured. All solid material is measured and reported as a percentage of sample volume or weight.
Cause
• Extended oil drain interval
• Environmental debris
• Wear debris
• Oxidation by-products
• Filter leaking or dirty
• Fuel soot
Effect
• Shorter engine life
• Filter plugging
• Poor lubrication
• Engine deposits
• Sludge formation
• Accelerated wear
• Decreased oil flow
• Lacquer build-up
Solution
• Drain oil, flush system
• Eliminate source of environmental debris
• Evaluate equipment use vs. design
• Evaluate operating conditions
• Reduce oil drain intervals
• Change filter
