Just got my oil analysis results back from the lab and for the first time I have high levels of aluminium, silicon and water in my oil. Lab report (see link) suggests I might have piston or bearing wear - should I be worried

Oil test - Published Results

Anyone experienced in such matters? Should I follow lab instructions, change oil and retest or go further and have a compression test done to be sure I don't have real problems.

I say oil swap and test again. It says that having alu + silica can mean its just dirt. The water though.. hrmm.

Cr@p I wasn't concerned about the water now I am! I figured this was the result of a lot of short trips which could cause the blowby. What else would water indicate?

Could be a coolant leak!

Compression test...

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No Subarus currently owned

Definitely change the oil, but do a compression test and then go from there

Thanks I'll get a compression test and retest my oil at 3000.

What is the problem with water in my oil surely it should just burn off?

Rev water is a natural byproduct of combustion as the hydrocarbons in fuel split on combustion to form CO2 and H2O (water).

However, apart from a little blowby at start up prior to proper lubrication you should not have any of these passing into your oil in normal circumstances. Be warned water in your oil is also consistent with worn pistons so taken together with your high alu reading definitely worth checking.

Aside from this water in your oil is never a good thing. Under heat it performs a very good job of steam cleaning the working parts in your engine thereby accelerating wear!