High Silicon Reading from Oil Analysis

Just got my oil analysis on my 07 Cayman S (73,683 miles). Silicon reading jumped from 5 to 13. Iron and Aluminum stayed the same. Since Iron and Aluminum were good, they suggested it might be airborne dirt. Magnesium also jumped (a lot) but not sure this is related. Has anybody had a high silicon reading with everything else good? If so, did you find the source of the airborne dirt? Could I have contaminated the sample? Not sure how as I follow the same procedure each time. I have already ordered new air filter but wanted to check other areas. Thanks

I believe it's the first five metals that's really important per your engine. Silicon = sand = near beaches or dust from road winter sand? Don't hesitate to chat more directly with Blackstone -- they're fantastic. Doesn't even look like a big jump IMHO, but they'll be able better tell you. Your engine's health looks fine to me! I'd also ask Blackstone about your 2x year oil changes; they'll likely reassure you it's unnecessary as they go by mileage. I bet you'd be fine to drive 5K miles and then do a change. However, that's a very personal decision. Cheers.

Are you using a paper air filter (stock-style) or some foam or oil type filter (K&N?)... the latter are known to increase silicon in UOAs. Also, have you had any other work done on the car? RTV is typically silicone, which can show up as silicon on UOAs as well. These are the two most common sources I have seen...

I'm using a paper MAHLE filter. No work on the engine where I used RTV (oil changes / plugs / coils). When new filter arrives, I plan to carefully remove existing filter and look for signs of anything getting by the filter.

Your comments are reassuring. I saw Silicon go up and hit the panic button!

Nope - No need to panic! Again, watch those first five metals. If you see them spike, then we gotta have a talk. Again, email Blackstone back and ask for their oil change frequency suggestion. Dollars to donuts, you can drop back to at least yearly, especially with that sort of low mileage you're putting on there. Spend the time out carving those canyons and enjoy!

Agreed, nothing to panic about yet... but it's something to dig into and figure out... Glad to hear you're not using a non-paper filter. When checking the old one, check for tears and such. When installing the new one, be sure it seats properly - if it doesn't seal well, air (and dirt) can get in past that. I have heard that installation of the filter can be tricky, so take your time.

I've used Blackstone for years. But recently I watched a PCA video featuring Lake Speed Jr., who is kind of an "Oil Mensa" in my opinion. His history in the field is impressive, and I believe he's one of the most knowledgeable guys out there. He also has a Cayman , which he discusses from time to time in regards to oil. Here's his company, which performs analysis. Speediagnostix Oil Analysis And here's the PCA video. It's "Nerdy oil stuff", but I found it fascinating. Next time you're bored, give this a watch. PCA - The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Fuel Additives - Lake Speed Jr. His Youtube channel is here. Loads of info. Youtube - The Motor Oil Geek Just info, for what it's worth. Hope you find some of it useful, if not just interesting. Way better than getting stuck on BITOG for days trying to figure out what oil to use in your car.

😁 Ooohhhh.... I've done that. I now never ever go look at BITOG since I know what happens.

Silicon is the primary additive to the aluminum block casting if I recall correctly. That's what gives the aluminum cylinder bores the wear resistance for the piston rings. Not necessarily a panic moment, but I'd keep an eye on it over the next few changes. Might be an early indicator of bore scoring.

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