Blackstone Labs Help

[jbuswim]

Anyone have these numbers/levels of iron, copper and lead? If so, what was the cause and fix? This is on a 2001 100. My MPG has been a little low, down to 11 MPG from 12/13 over the last year. Engine bay looks great, hoses, corrosion etc. I did have a choking engine/low power for a minute a few times but that has not returned. I do not remember the engine code it gave. Plugs and coils are pretty new. Thanks!
B

 

[hoser]

I have no idea but AI suggests this... Tell us more about the "choking/low power" issue.

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While the Toyota 4.7L V-8 (2UZ-FE) is widely considered one of the most reliable engines ever built, the specific combination of high Lead, Copper, and Silicon in your report suggests a "chain reaction" of wear that is often caused by a few specific issues.

Here is a breakdown of what might be happening:

1. The "Root Cause": Silicon (Abrasive Contamination)​

In most cases, the Silicon (20 ppm) is the trigger. Silicon represents dirt or sand. When it gets into the engine, it acts like a liquid sandpaper (lapping compound), grinding down internal surfaces.

• Likely Source: A leak in the air filtration system. On the Land Cruiser, check for:
  • An improperly seated or poor-quality air filter.
  • Cracks or loose clamps in the rubber intake hoses (the "accordion" boots).
  • A compromised air box seal.
• Internal Sources: If you recently had work done (like a valve cover gasket replacement), the silicon could be harmless RTV sealant leaching into the oil. If no work was done, assume it is abrasive dirt.

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2. The Result: Bearing & Shaft Wear (Lead and Copper)​

The high Lead (35 ppm) and Copper (22 ppm) are the "victim" metals. In this engine, they primarily come from the crankshaft and connecting rod bearings.

• The Mechanism: The bearings in your 2UZ-FE are multi-layered (often lead/tin over a copper/bronze base). When abrasive silicon enters the oil, it scores these soft bearing surfaces first.
• What it means: The "excess wear" noted by the lab means the protective layer of your engine's bearings is being eaten away. If this continues, the gap between the bearing and the shaft (the clearance) will widen, leading to a drop in oil pressure or a "rod knock."

​

3. Piston Wear (Aluminum)​

Your Aluminum (6 ppm) is elevated above the universal average (3 ppm). This indicates the abrasive dirt is also scoring the piston skirts or the cylinder walls as it passes through the combustion chamber.

 

[jbuswim]

Thanks!
I did see some of that online and have a notion of it from past experiences...but I am not an AI guy...
Thank you!