High Copper and Lead in Cat 3406E

[Paul Seattle]

I'm in the process of purchasing a boat with 800hp Cat 3406Es. The previous owner provided a recent survey that included oil samples. I have not done my own survey yet, but wondering if these numbers are alarming enough not to proceed. The engines have about 1,200 hours.

Starboard engine has 200ppm Copper and 7 lead with 110 hours on the oil.

Port engine has 384 Copper and 13 lead.

High copper and lead can indicate bearing wear, but it's hard to know with one set of samples. Both are notably elevated, but the port engine makes me very worried. Would you spend money on a survey or walk away based on these high levels?

 

[cyclops222]

Are those levels high enough to justify selling the boat if YOU owned it ? That is the real question.

 

[alldodge]

I'm in the process of purchasing a boat with 800hp Cat 3406Es. The previous owner provided a recent survey that included oil samples. I have not done my own survey yet, but wondering if these numbers are alarming enough not to proceed. The engines have about 1,200 hours.

Starboard engine has 200ppm Copper and 7 lead with 110 hours on the oil.

Port engine has 384 Copper and 13 lead.

High copper and lead can indicate bearing wear, but it's hard to know with one set of samples. Both are notably elevated, but the port engine makes me very worried. Would you spend money on a survey or walk away based on these high levels?

Welcome
My finds are the copper is to high. Normal is below 30 ppm so agree it indicates bearing wear. Either not taken care of or incorrect lube.