And the question was, for built motors, within how many oil changes should you see a significant drop in metal particles. I have a 2003 Siverado 5.3L with 132,700 miles and when changing oil I noticed a small metal shaving on the drain plug. This hopefully goes to the oil and is removed by magnet or filter. Particulate count tests, which clue you into what may be contaminating your engine’s oil (be it soot, coolant, fuel, or dirt), are also the norm. Normal wear gives you microscopic metal particles, actual visible shavings are a bad sign. Most oil analyzers can test for wear metals (elements like iron, aluminum, and copper) to see if things like piston rings, pistons, bearings, or valvetrain components are breaking down. Lesson No. You could also dissect the oil filter as suggested. January 3, 2016 - As a rule, most engines with fewer than 50,000 miles shouldn't use much more than a quart of oil between oil changes. How much oil should be on the dipstick? Is this shaving normal or am I in trouble? I saved the filter but have not looked there yet. Wait a few seconds and pull out the dipstick again. With a rag or thick paper towel in one hand, pull on the metal loop or grip and remove the dipstick with the other. 2 - Detecting a Low Oil Level. Wipe the oil-wet straight end of the dipstick and push it back into the stalk you pulled it out of. The Silver Series: A Perfect Storm for Silver (Part 2 of 3) In Part 1 of the Silver Series we showed how precious metals can be a safe haven during times of volatility in a debt-laden era.. Today’s infographic is Part Two of the Silver Series, and it comes to us from Endeavour Silver, outlining some of the key supply and demand indicators that precede a … Metal In Oil, How Much Is Too Much? When several flakes of aluminum or several short, hair-like ferrous metal shavings are found in the folds of a filter, Lycoming suggests changing the oil, installing a new filter, and flying for 25 hours before checking the filter again. Discussion in 'Troubleshooting & Diagnosis' started by rogerh, Dec 15, 2002. Copper is typically seen elevated without the presence of any bearing alloy metals and is an indication of passivation within the oil cooler. They can tell you exactly what’s in the oil and if it’s beyond acceptable limits. … Perhaps the gear drive to the oil pump and distributor might make shavings. Metal to metal wear is normal to some degree, and as pointed out, it could come from other sources such as the drain plug threads. Oil analysis remains the best tool in the predictive maintenance toolbox for the early detection of wear problems. I only pulled the caps from the mains since that is where the most wear would show up under normal conditions. 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