Sometimes these reports can be a bit scary. The silicon and sodium is a sign
the air filter is not doing its job and the oil filter isn't helping. Also,
considering the engine with that mileage you are using the wrong oil. Now
for an experiment! Change the oil and filter. Use something with a higher
viscosity such as the Mobil 1, 15w-50. Get a good high performance oil
filter such as the M1-205, (yes I'm partial). Replace the air filter and
clean the air inlet tract as much as possible. Do the test again at 2,000
miles. You should see much improved values.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Stuart MacMillan
Sent: Wednesday, June 05, 2013 5:51 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Oil analysis on worn engine

Just in case anyone is interested in what the oil looks like in a poorly
maintained '85 Westy with 140k miles after 2000 miles:
http://imgur.com/HLX3OUK

Good news is no coolant (probably)!  Bad news-lots of iron, lead and
aluminum.  No surprise with the low compression in two cylinders.  Iron
could be from a worn cam and lifters as well as cylinders and rings.  I'll
install an oil pressure gauge next to see how bad the bearings are.  Still
hope to get 3000 miles out of it this summer.

Stuart