Origin of Metals in Lubricants

Element

Abbr.

Possible Origin

Aluminium

Al

pistons, bearings, dirt, lubricating grease

Barium

Ba

additives, lubricating grease, water

Boron

B

cooling fluid, additives, sea water

Calcium

Ca

additives, lubricating grease, water

Chromium

Cr

cylinder, rings, crank shaft, gear box

Iron

Fe

cylinder, crank shaft, gear box, rust, water

Potassium

K

cooling fluid, additives

Copper

Cu

bearings, radiator, bronze

Lithium

Li

lubricating grease

Magnesium

Mg

bearings, additives, sea water

Molybdenum

Mo

rings, additives

Sodium

Na

additives, cooling fluids, sea water, lubricating grease

Nickel

Ni

axle, gear box, rings, turbine alloy

Phosphorus

P

additives, cooling fluid, gear box

Silver

Ag

bearings

Silicon

Si

dirt, anti-foaming agent, synthetic oils

Titanium

Ti

springs, valves, turbine alloy, dust

Zinc

Zn

bearings, additives, coatings

Stannous

Sn

bearings, soldering agent, radiator




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