I have searched a ton on this topic and there does not seem to be a consensus on when to start worrying about metal in the filter.

Details--

'01 Turbo Tip w/ 84k.
Oil changes every 3k since owned at 62k. (mobil 1 5w40 TD)
Stock motor
Slight IMS rattle (nothing more than what I have read is typical)
Full boost to .7 bar
No performance issues (runs great--smooth at idle...)

Last oil change noticed some small flecks (pepper size) maybe 30-40 in the paper filter. But also I also found 4 or 5 very very small metal slivers (.25" long). All of it ferrous. No other debris found. I checked the last 2 oil changes and both times had a small amount of flecks. Not sure how long this has been going on... only began checking at 75k.

Some have said that a small amount metal is not necessarily typical but acceptable. Others have said any metal after brake in period is a sure sign of emanate failure.

What is typical and should I be worried???

thanks!!

 

i don't think that flakes are a huge deal if it's minimal, but slivers would be a concern. you should start tracking your oil metal content. blackstone labs do this for an affordable rate. by tracking every oil change, you can track a sudden increase in specific metallic content which "could" indicate increase wear.

 

I agree, I don't think .25" slivers are good news. That seems like pretty good sized pieces that is coming off your engine somewhere. Do what he said above ^ regarding blackstone.

 

Thanks-- just to be clear the slivers are smaller than a hair and about .25" long. BTW-- car has been a DD for the last 3 years.

I have ordered the kit from blackstone.

It seems that most threads that I have read regarding internal failures / IMS issues are on low mileage cars...less than 40k.

I have used Lucas synthetic stabilizer for the last 20k.


http://www.lucasoil.com/products/dis...tid=7&loc=show

Anyone else use this product?

 

It's not good. Likely it's tied to the IMS noise. One of the gears maybe wobbling on the shaft. Have blackstone look at the material and determine what it is. I would be very concerned myself.

 

Kevin--- What are your thoughts???

Aside from a tear down what are my options? Wait for the inevitable?

 

This is a borrowed photo from another post, but this is what the metal slivers look like--

Thanks for the help!

 

any news on this ? did you end up finding why did you get those ?

 

the silvers are parts from your oil pump...some broken parts went thru your oil pump....in most cases the secondary oilpump on passenger side and mainpump are involved...better open the engine and check all parts from an expert....

ore you wait with the risk of more issues

 

TT Man,
Who are you looking at for your IMS bearing upgrade / Indy? Let me know as I'm looking in SLC too. Thanks.