Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Metal particles in the oil pan? How much is too much?

1998 Toyota V6 with 150,000 miles had the oil light come on. No abnormal engine noises were heard while driving to repair facility. (or ever for that matter) Tests by mechanic concluded that the pump is failing at high temperatures. In the process of taking things apart, the mechanic found %26quot;aluminum and brass particles in the oil pan%26quot;.



Since the pan has never been removed before, is there a quantity of particles that would be expected?



Where would the brass particles come from?



Recommendations?



Background: Car has been reasonably well maintained with routine oil changes at a Toytoa dealership.Metal particles in the oil pan? How much is too much?
brass is bad can only come from bearings youre time with this engine is limited best bet is to have new bearings rolled in they can do this with oil pan off it mite give you a few more years good luckMetal particles in the oil pan? How much is too much?
metal particles in the oil pan are a big problem.if they move around your bottom end they will chew on everything. the right amount is nearly zero. now if its not too late you can try a magnetic oil drain plug to keep the stuff from circulating, and obviously make sure the oil pump is working.Metal particles in the oil pan? How much is too much?
Send in an oil sample from your engine and the oil analysis results will tell you what's been wearing abnormally, if anything, in your engine. Switching to a full synthetic oil like Mobil One will reduce the engine wear and extend the life of the engine:

http://www.testoil.com/?referrer=google%26amp;



http://www.mobiloil.comMetal particles in the oil pan? How much is too much?
A handfull of small flakes are usually on my magnetic drain plug when I change the oil. The brass is from bearings, which is a bad sign. You have done major damage to your engine. If it still runs then drive keep driving it, but don't ever drive with the oil light on, EVER.Metal particles in the oil pan? How much is too much?
oil pump is a positive displacement gear pump each gear spins on an axis the brass is from the bushings ...metal particles are not normal ...indication of metal to metal wear

my recommendation would be to flush the oil system..use cheap oil run it about a half hour and drain....refill with oil of choice I am assuming that they changed the pump and reinstalled the pan...right?...ask the shop if they use a lab for oil analysis if so ..your next 3 or 4 oil changes a sample should be sent to the lab results will tell you if you have anything else going on in there