Contaminants

Silicon, Sodium and Boron

These contaminants can have predetermined limits, once the new lube has been tested for initial base line data. An increase in silicon alone usually means the entrance of abrasives (dirt). The effect, if any, is easily noted by observing the change in wear metals. An increase in all three contaminants , or just sodium or boron, may indicate coolant leakage (as these are elements from chemicals typically placed in coolants). Once again we must note the starting concentration of each contaminant in the new lube. If glycol antifreeze is in use, we can confirm its presence with a test.