High Silicon in Oil Analysis Solved (I think)

[terrye]

I think we need to distinguish between the element silicon and the elastomer silicone.

From Wikipedia
Silicon is a chemical element with symbol Si and atomic number 14. A hard and brittle crystalline solid with a blue-grey metallic lustre.

Silicone rubber is an elastomer (rubber-like material) composed of silicone—itself a polymer—containing silicon together with carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. In its uncured state, silicone rubber is a highly-adhesive gel or liquid. In order to convert to a solid, it must be cured, vulcanized, or catalyzed. This is normally carried out in a two-stage process at the point of manufacture into the desired shape, and then in a prolonged post-cure process.

The presence of Silicon in an oil analysis normally indicates the presence of dirt, sand, and other like materials usually ingested into the engine through the air filter and induction system.

The Silicon in Silicone rubber is chemically bonded to the other elements, that is there is no free silicon. So running oil or fuel through a silicone rubber hose should not remove any chemically bonded silicon.

[snopercod]

For the record, I measured the amount of oily residue in my catch bottle this annual inspection. It was only 10cc after 50 hrs. Not bad, I think. I guess I could have sent the residue off for analysis but I guess I don't really care.