Metal flakes in my used oil after oil change
05-25-2009, 05:22 PM
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Metal flakes in my used oil after oil change
Just wanting to get some feedback about this...
I just did an oil change on my 00' with 141k miles.
The used oil I changed out (was mobil 1 synthetic 10w 30) had bronze looking metal flakes floating at the surface.
I probably noticed 10-15 flakes about a millimeter square each. Just never had this before in an oil change (that I've noticed).
Any comments would be appreciated especially if this is a very ill omen.
Thanks
I just did an oil change on my 00' with 141k miles.
The used oil I changed out (was mobil 1 synthetic 10w 30) had bronze looking metal flakes floating at the surface.
I probably noticed 10-15 flakes about a millimeter square each. Just never had this before in an oil change (that I've noticed).
Any comments would be appreciated especially if this is a very ill omen.
Thanks
05-25-2009, 05:33 PM
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Illin'
Bronze is super bad because its associated with bearing material. But before anyone freaks, was this a clean pan? What else was in the oil, what do you mean "float", etc?
At 141k, it is not inconceivable that the engine is toast. But NOW would be the time to rebuild the bottom end, not after the crank blows it apart at 9k.
Bronze is super bad because its associated with bearing material. But before anyone freaks, was this a clean pan? What else was in the oil, what do you mean "float", etc?
At 141k, it is not inconceivable that the engine is toast. But NOW would be the time to rebuild the bottom end, not after the crank blows it apart at 9k.
05-26-2009, 01:11 PM
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How would brass or copper float on oil?
I don't think so.
What you could do: pour some of that used oil in a glass, lets say 1/4 full.
Shake it (with a piece of clean! plastic on top)
Look at the oil stuck at the sides with a bright light behind it (or the sun).
Do you see metallic oil, as in metallic paint?
Yes: you actually do have a serious problem.
No: the flakes need more investigation.
Are they magnetic?
Can you seperate them and clean them enough to take a sharp close up pic?
Do you at any time see the low oil warning light come on at idle or at revs?
As mentioned: cut the filter open and take (sharp) pics.
Let us know.
I don't think so.
What you could do: pour some of that used oil in a glass, lets say 1/4 full.
Shake it (with a piece of clean! plastic on top)
Look at the oil stuck at the sides with a bright light behind it (or the sun).
Do you see metallic oil, as in metallic paint?
Yes: you actually do have a serious problem.
No: the flakes need more investigation.
Are they magnetic?
Can you seperate them and clean them enough to take a sharp close up pic?
Do you at any time see the low oil warning light come on at idle or at revs?
As mentioned: cut the filter open and take (sharp) pics.
Let us know.
05-26-2009, 01:17 PM
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Originally Posted by SpitfireS,May 26 2009, 01:11 PM
Do you see metallic oil, as in metallic paint?
Yes: you actually do have a serious problem.
Yes: you actually do have a serious problem.
The bearing issue as previously mentioned or something other than that?
05-26-2009, 04:45 PM
#7
Could be bearings. Dropping the pan and having them replaced should not be to insanely expensive. IMO well worth the alternative, and at that mileage I would almost look at it like preventative maintanance.
Just be sure to have a reputable shop do the work, the engines have different bearings that are color coded and it is important that the right bearings are used (atleas this was the case with K-series, D-series, B-series, etc. engines)
Just be sure to have a reputable shop do the work, the engines have different bearings that are color coded and it is important that the right bearings are used (atleas this was the case with K-series, D-series, B-series, etc. engines)
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05-26-2009, 08:06 PM
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Originally Posted by bgoetz,May 26 2009, 04:45 PM
Could be bearings. Dropping the pan and having them replaced should not be to insanely expensive. IMO well worth the alternative, and at that mileage I would almost look at it like preventative maintanance.
Just be sure to have a reputable shop do the work, the engines have different bearings that are color coded and it is important that the right bearings are used (atleas this was the case with K-series, D-series, B-series, etc. engines)
Just be sure to have a reputable shop do the work, the engines have different bearings that are color coded and it is important that the right bearings are used (atleas this was the case with K-series, D-series, B-series, etc. engines)
05-26-2009, 08:17 PM
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if your car is running fine, dont worry about it. your just wasting money. change to different type of oil and check to see theres still metal. i suggest Castrol GTX highmilage or Castrol Syntec. I use GTX and it works great.