Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Detecting the presence of Nikasil (in any form) in SAE 10W30 oil

I would like to determine if used oil from my Jaguar S-Type contains nikasil deposits. Can anyone tell me how to do this or where I can have it done? I own a 2000 S-Type 4.0 Jaguar. I have confirmed that the car does have a "Nikasil Engine". At about 75,000 miles the engine failed. The dealer got the car running again.They told me that I needed to immediately change the oil because it was full of gasoline. The car would run for a while BUT I NEEDED TO RELACE HEAD GASKETS and a few other engine components to fix the problem ($1700). The Jaguar service manager said it was not a nikasil problem. The mechanic said it was a nikasil problem and the best fix was a new engine.

Bill Blue
Consumer - Landenberg, USA
2007

Google engine oil analyses, or try SOAP testing or spectrophotometric oil analysis program. the test will probably cost over $100 and you will be looking for an abnormally high nickel content. The testing lab can provide some guidance on what is abnormally high if you ask nicely.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2007