Oh my gosh, further research shows this for GM 12641740 high pressure pump: It is a mechanical push-rod actuated pump !! (image attached)

Sorry tech2, I guess I didn't make the connection to your reference to the old style diaphragm pumps. (those being mechanical too,,,) With the high pressures involved, I would think it must be some type of plunger or piston type design.

I still say it needs a "weep hole" just in case the push rod seal fails,,,

 

Got my first report back from Blackstone. The comments included, "This is the first sample from your brand new Impala, so we're not surprised to find high copper and silicon. Copper is from brass/bronze parts wearing in and the silicon is from harmless sealers and gaskets used to put the engine together. If often takes several oil changes to wash this stuff out, so look for improvements as the trends develop....The viscosity was in the 5W30 range and only a trace of insoluables was found....." etc.

So, I guess this is a good starting point. I did this first change at only 1015 miles, figuring "the earlier the better" for getting the "factory fill oil" drained out, along with whatever "wash down" stuff may have been in there due to new engine assembly. I was surprised about the copper level, but I guess they aren't. It does make me wonder what possible brass or bronze parts may be in this engine,,,, Also I read on their website that sometimes high copper levels come from a new (or recently replaced) engine oil cooler. (I wonder if this application even uses one,,,, -sure makes me impatient with Helm Inc in their apparent lackadaisical approach to getting the shop manuals produced for this car,,,)

Anyway, first report back, and I certainly intend to continue with others.

 

Yeah GM motors are notorious for high copper early on. Lots of copper alloy used in the motors.

 

Thank you Sir. Good to know.
I wonder what type of parts are involved?

 

GM uses a high ratio of copper in connecting rods and cam bearings across all their engine platforms. It strengthens rods and makes them lighter. For several oil changes, copper will show high. It will decline over time. As long as it is the only elevated wear metal, it is a non issue. Only if one was also getting elevated tin, chrome, and lead along with elevated copper should one worry. For motors with oil coolers, that is yet another source of copper in used oil samples. Copper leaches into the oil in a new motor or new component break in. Over time, it should settle down.

 

Cowpie, thank you for the info. -Good stuff to know.