«Previous    Next»
Oil Test Detects Engine Problems
Testing engine oil to detect potential mechanical problems before they occur has become a regular part of Wayne and Loren Hartung's tractor maintenance program. The Woodbury, Minn., farmers use a relatively little known oil analysis program run by CENEX cooperatives.
The Hartungs take oil samples from their tractors by draining oil from the crankcase drain, or using a syringe to withdraw a sample through the dipstick hole. They send the sample to a lab along with information on the vehicle, type of oil and time since last oil change.
If there's a serious problem, Cenex calls them immediately. Otherwise test results are sent on a computer printout that tells them if there's antifreeze, water or fuel in the oil, and also shows the level of a variety of trace elements. High levels of iron, lead, aluminum, chromium or copper indicate internal wear of rings, cylinders, bearings or pistons. A high level of silicon usually is a result of sand and dust contamination.
Cenex officials say you should analyze oil samples from each truck or tractor at least twice a year to establish a "trend" for the particular vehicle. Some farmers on the program test oil at every oil change. Case, Caterpillar, and Mobil also offer oil analysis programs for farmers.


  Click here to download page story appeared in.



  Click here to read entire issue




To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.
Order the Issue Containing This Story
1985 - Volume #9, Issue #3