I've owned my CR-V since new in 2001. This is the first oil analysis I've had performed. At the time of the oil change at ~49,950 miles, the following services were also performed by a trusted mechanic/friend of mine: water pump, timing belt and tensioner, upper and lower radiator hoses, and a new radiator. The car had 52,850 miles at the time of the sample for a 2,900 mile interval on this oil. I've used this oil exclusively since 2002 with no additives, and a Wix (NAPA) oil filter has been used exclusively, also. It has had a K&N air filter since about 2003. This car gets mostly short-trip usage (<10 miles). The anaylsis was performed by the NAPA Filters lab in Atlanta, GA. Now for the nitty gritty:

Iron 6
Chromium 0
Lead 3
Copper 2
Tin 0
Aluminum 1
Nickel 0
Silver 0
Silicon 9
Boron 5
Sodium 177 (marked as abnormal by the lab)
Magnesium 20
Calcium 1754
Barium 0
Phosphorus 803
Zinc 862
Molybdenum 0
Titanium 0
Vanadium 0
Potassium 0
Fuel (%vol) <1
VIS @ 100*C 9.24cSt
water (%vol) 0
Coolant YES (marked as abnormal by the lab)

This oil was in the car from the first week of May until Sep 1. I'm not sure what the acceptable level of sodium is, but 177 seems very high. With coolant present, I expected some potassium, but it is zero ppm. I suppose it could be attributed to some cross-contaminaton bacause of the other services performed at the time of the oil change. Even with the presence of coolant, the oil seems to have done a great job of protecting from wear. I'll sample again at the next interval around late December or early January to monitor the coolant issue. I'm anxious to hear the thoughts of our resident tribologists.

 

It isn't unusual for a manufacturer to use Sodium as an anti-wear additive in oil. Castrol GTX has this as well in their 5w30. Personally...and I'm not expert here, but I think the sodium is just a result of the oil's additive package and doesn't indicate a problem. I've viewed a lot of UOA's on BITOG with the same results, high sodium content but no potassium content, in almost all cases the engine exhibited low or normal wear (just like yours does).

The fact that the wear levels everywhere else seem just fine doesn't seem to indicate the presence of coolant. That's just my 2c.

 

I didn't realize sodium is an anti-wear additive. I appreciate your input.

 

Here's some more information on it: Castrol UOA

Another discussion on Sodium additives

Last one, has links to Valvoline Sodium additives

If I recall, I think Napa brand oil is made by Valvoline, so that would probably explain why you're seeing some Sodium as well. To my knowledge, Mobil, Valvoline, and Castrol all use sodium in their conventional oils. I know that you are using synthetic, but it wouldn't surprise me if some manufacturers are also using sodium in their synthetic oils as well (especially their Group III formulated synthetics).

 

Excellent links! Knowing that sodium is gaining popularity as an additive is comforting. I don't need any coolant leaks right now.

And yes, NAPA oil is made by Valvoline. I'd imagine that the synthetic is akin to Synpower, probably with a bit weaker add package for cost reasons.

 

That's a good UOA, IMO. It would have been nice to have flashpoint and TBN as well, since your trips are short. Especially the TBN - it would tell you how much life you have left in your oil.

 

Actually, the TAN is on the report, but I forgot to type it in. I think it was 1.5 or something like that. I'll check when I get home.