Evaluation Procedure

NAVAIR 17-15-50.4

TM 38-301-4

T.O. 33-1-37-4

CGTO 33-1-37-4

(3) Blotter spot test results reflect the presence or absence of total contaminants, dispersancy

additives, and coolant in the oil. Evidence of solids and coolant contamination can be confirmed by reviewing

spectrometric results for silicon (for dirt) and sodium and boron (for coolant). The presence of either solids or

coolant contamination or the absence of dispersant additives warrants a recommendation to change oil.

(4) Crackle tests result indicate the presence or absence of water. If the test is positive, the blotter

spot test should be reviewed for dispersancy because the presence of either free water or coolant will reduce the

dispersancy. Review of spectrometric data described above will indicate if the positive test result is caused by

coolant.

(5) FT-IR spectrometer tests transmission servicing oils for additive depletion and the presence of

contaminants such as soot, fuel, water, coolant (Ethylene Glycol), oxidation, oil additives, or incorrect oil addition.

The presence of contaminants or additive depletion warrants a lab recommendation to change oil and service or

replace the component filter. If the presence or fuel or coolant is confirmed by a resample, then the AOAP

laboratory will issue a DA Form 3254-R, Oil Analysis Recommendation and Feedback, for corrective action.

b. Transmissions. Transmission samples should be evaluated by the screening tests of spectrometric

analysis, viscosity, and water determination.

(1) Spectrometric results that exceed criteria shall be evaluated by the screening tests of

spectrometric analysis, viscosity, and water determination.

(2) Viscosity values which fail guidelines, either high or low, shall be cause for a laboratory

recommendation to change oil.

(3)

A crackle test indication of water in the oil shall be cause for a laboratory recommendation to

change oil.

(4) FT-IR spectrometer test for presence of contaminants or absence and additives in components

servicing oil the following applies. When established guidelines are exceeded, the recommendation will be to

change oil and service/replace filter.

c. Hydraulic system. Samples shall be evaluated by spectrometric analysis viscosity, water testing,

electronic particulate count, or colormetric patch testing. (Army samples shall have spectrometric, viscosity,

water, and FT-IR testing as a minimum.) Laboratory recommendations for hydraulic systems shall be limited to

normal or to change fluid.

2-6. Evaluation Procedure. The following procedure shall be used when evaluating sample results:

a. Determine the range for each critical wear-metal concentration in the sample result from the

appropriate equipment wear-metal evaluation criteria table in Appendix B.

Wear-metals considered significant, and for which oil analysis monitoring is required for the particular equipment,

are those for which numerical criteria are provided in the applicable equipment criteria table.

b. Review the technical information section included on each criteria table for additional information to be

used in the evaluation process.

c. Compare the wear-metal concentration levels of the current sample with the levels of the previous

sample to determine whether changes are occurring which indicate developing or impending equipment

problems. Analysis readings will normally vary between samples and are generally related to equipment

operating time since oil change.