Introduction

Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry has been used extensively for a number of years to
study trace wear metals in used engine oil (1-5). The investigation of trace metals in engine oil
has permitted the identification of wearing components before severe failure, without
dismantling of the engine. Thus preventive maintenance can be performed as needed and when
convenient resulting in considerable cost savings and reduced down time. Spectrometric Oil
Analysis Programs (SOAP) have been implemented by the Armed Services, Commercial
Airlines, Railways, Tractor Manufacturers and large trucking firms as a diagnostic tool to
monitor engine wear. In a spectrometric oil analysis program, the oil must be sampled at regular
intervals under strict sampling conditions. This program permits the observation of trends in the
metal content of the oil. Wear of a specific component is heralded by an increase in the
Concentration of a particular metal, or the sudden appearance of a metal. Since different engine
components are composed of different alloys, the increase of a particular metal can be used to
identify impending failure of a specific component. An
Increase in chromium, for example, might suggest piston wear, while an increase in copper may
indicate bearing wear. An increase in silicon content could suggest improper air filtering leading
to the entry of abrasive dust into the engine. A list of metals found in aircraft engine oil and their
origin is given in Table 1 (81,76,82).