In a recent LinkedIn post, I presented a challenge to my connections: identify the coolant leaks in a rack of 96 engine oil samples to see if they could guess it right. All samples were dark black, except for the strikingly different creamy white sample at position 59. FYI. Position 1 is top left and the rack reads left to right in rows down to bottom right of 96. You will likely spot it in the rack below.
The guesses poured in including many for 59. Today, I’m excited to reveal the unexpected findings and share a crucial lesson in oil analysis.
Unraveling the Mystery
The results are in, and they’re surprising. But first a little lesson in coolant chemistry.
Engine coolants are made up of water, glycol and a corrosion inhibitor usually sodium or potassium based usually 1,000 to 4,000ppm in the coolant mix to give you an idea of how high to expect sodium and potassium.
Now we understand the chemistry let’s now do a little myth busting. Coolant leaks despite the assumption are not something that suddenly happens. They have likely been occurring for months prior to the symptoms and detected coolant system failure. These can be slow coolant leaks and usually the only markers are the sodium and potassium. Why not glycol or water? Well for the most part unless it is very serious the coolant boils off in the engine turning water to water vapour that escapes and the glycol to glycolic acids, oxalates and other glycol breakdown products. So the only thing that remains is often the corrosion inhibitor.
So now we understand the theory let’s look at the rack below now we know the principles of identifying a coolant leak in engine oils.
None of the guessed combination of positions, including the popular choice of 59, were the actual coolant leaks. I may have to correct this sentence if someone guesses right whilst I have been writing this post. However, for now there were no correct guesses. In fact, two coolant leaks were present elsewhere in the rack, stealthily hidden within those dark black samples. As for sample 59? It contained a significant 5.5% water content but, crucially, no coolant corrosion inhibitor additives of sodium or potassium or indeed glycol.
The Deceptive Appearances
This revelation underscores a fundamental truth in fluid analysis: appearances can be deceiving. Sample 59, with its distinct creamy white color, seemed the obvious culprit for a coolant leak. However, the reality was quite different. It’s a classic case of mistaking water contamination for coolant intrusion. The milky appearance is not right for an engine oil and other culprits such as Adblue or fresh water sources need to be considered as potential culprits. The two other samples by contrast show sodium and potassium. One shows water too suggesting a faster rate of coolant ingress whereas the higher sodium and potassium suggests a longer term fault further down the rack.
The Importance of Thorough Testing
This experience highlights the critical importance of comprehensive oil testing. While visual inspection is a helpful tool and certainly if you see something you need to check it out, but, it cannot replace the detailed insights provided by thorough laboratory analysis. By testing the samples, we uncovered the true issues – insights that would have been missed by relying solely on appearance alone.
The Takeaway
So, what’s the takeaway from this intriguing case? Firstly, never judge an oil sample by its colour alone. Secondly, and most importantly, if you suspect an issue with your engine oil, get it tested. If it looks, feels or smells wrong then sample it, it may be nothing but equally could be something too. Professional analysis is the only way to truly understand what’s happening inside your machinery.
The Final Word
In the realm of fluid analysis, assumptions can be misleading, and the obvious answer isn’t always the right one. Trust in the science of oil testing to reveal the true story. Remember, when in doubt, test – don’t guess.
Ready to uncover the truth behind your engine oil samples? Contact Oil Analysis Laboratories today. Because what you can’t see, we can.