Tag Archives: Elemental Spectroscopy

Sources of Potassium Potassium is an indicator of a coolant leak, often in conjunction with sodium and/or boron; these elements are present due to the additives used in many coolant formulations. The presence of these elements alongside detected glycol and water often indicate a severe or bottom-end leak, but the absence of glycol and water…

Sources of Barium Barium was a detergent additive metal found in natural gas engine oils but is no longer allowed in products manufactured in North America due to toxicity concerns Greases, though, continue to use barium in the form of a thickener system. Machines with greased seals or those having undergone recent maintenance may exhibit…

Sources of Zinc Zinc is an additive metal found in all anti-wear (AW) additive packages. Only when the zinc level deviates more than 25% from the new oil or reference value should a concern be raised, but the likeliest cause is mixing or topping off with a different product. The zinc level in AW oils…

Sources of Phosphorus Phosphorus is an additive metal found in all anti-wear (AW) and extreme pressure (EP) additive packages. Only when the phosphorus level deviates more than 25% from the new oil or reference value should a concern be raised, but the likeliest cause is mixing or topping-off with a different product. AW oils can…