Water 0.3 in oil . Is this a big problem ?

[cruisepilot]

I just had a pre- purchase oil analysis completed and the results have been bothering me.
I am concerned about the water in this report . Here are the readings.

This diesel engine sounds good. At full throttle holds steady at 175F same as cruise.
No smoke on cold start, or oil on water. The surveyor found nothing wrong with the engine.
The engine has not been run much in the last 6mo Total hrs 1428.

Here are the results of my oil sample came back on this TAMD40A, done by Motor Check Analysis - West Palm Beach FL 33409

aluminum 0 - chromium 7 - copper 11- iron 84 - lead 20 - tin 0 - silicon 3 -potassium 9 sodium 14 - water 0.3A - oxidization 7.7 -
viscosity 13.7 - fuel <2.0 - tbn 9.1 - Glycol Non Detected
- sae43 - soot 0.5

Comments on report: A= Abnormal

All engine wear rates normal. Light Concentrate of water present. Drain oil and change filter if not already done . Resample at next service interval to monitor.

Is this concern before I close the deal on this vessel ?
I called Motor Check and they gave me a big disclaimer speech. The disclaimer speech made me skeptical on the integrity of the engine,
but they said... boater to boater no problem its just condensation

 

[PascalG]

problem with oil analysis is that unless you have a baseline, the results are somtimes nothing more than something too loose sleep over.

in addition to whatever "advice" you may get here, discuss this with your diesel surveyor. It could be moisture from condensation and nothing more, esp if the engine has't run much in the past month and only be fired up dockside withouth reaching temp.

age and nr of hours on the oil is important too.

 

[Unknown]

Those were my thoughts - how long the boat has been out of service, plus how the humidity of Southern US climates affects condensation rates in the oil versus up here where I live. Perhaps there are other factors that can be used to determine whether there is anything further to be concerned about...

One thing's for sure, when in doubt, RUN away, but make sure you have a reasonable basis for doubt first...