Fuel and coolant in oil?

[thebook92]

The last time I changed my oil (OCI of 3k miles this time), I had Blackstone analyze it. I can't copy and paste the results right now (stupid Tapatalk), but it showed a fuel level of 3.5% with a comment of how "this is a cautionary amount". Also, potassium levels were at 14 PPM, which could mean coolant in the oil. I am losing a small amount of coolant, but the antifreeze test showed 0. At my next oil change (again at 3k miles), I'm going to have it tested again. If these results show up again I'm going to have the dealer look at it. My question is, how could the fuel and coolant (if it is coolant) get into the oil?

 

[Chrish051873]

head gasket ?

 

[thebook92]

That was my first thought, but I've only got ten thousand miles on the engine. I doubt that would be enough for a head gasket to go, but I have seen stranger things.

 

[$ub$onic]

Miles does not really matter, if it was not seated right, or not torqued down right it will go.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Hi thebook92

Please let me know if you decide to go to the dealer. I can open a Service Request for you and assist you in getting this issue resolved. Just send me a private message.

Jackie
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[ColonelPanic]

Is there a way you can post your UOA?

Definitely keep the OCI's down until you can get it sorted, that has to be a lot of fuel dilution.

 

[$ub$onic]

Just ordered a test to test mine out. Figured what the hell.

 

[ColonelPanic]

It's good stuff to know. I've never done one due to the cost but I'm thinking it isn't a bad idea on the Sonic as I plan on following the OLM.

 

[thebook92]

Hi thebook92

Please let me know if you decide to go to the dealer. I can open a Service Request for you and assist you in getting this issue resolved. Just send me a private message.

Jackie
Chevrolet Customer Care

I'll make that decision once I get the test results back from my next oil change. Thank you.

Is there a way you can post your UOA?

Definitely keep the OCI's down until you can get it sorted, that has to be a lot of fuel dilution.

I definitely plan on it. I'm at about 2,600 miles on this OCI and am going to change it at 3,000. You're probably right with the fuel dilution; take a look at the viscosity numbers as well:

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

thebook92,

Not a problem, please keep us updated.

Erica Tiffany
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[thebook92]

Had a day off yesterday, so I changed the oil a little early (about 2,800 miles) and dropped the sample off at Blackstone last night. I should get my test results back today or tomorrow.

 

[thebook92]

Results are back. Potassium level is down to 11 PPM (still a little high, but I can live with it) and fuel is at <0.5%. I guess that's good enough.

 

[ChrisJ]

So you're finding a slightly high Potassium level at only 2800 miles when others are running 8-10K on it without a high level and that's ok?


Something seems wrong there.