2007 Xtera ... continued issues ... Metal in oil.

[skiller1nc]

So. See thread here for last update. Since then I've done some things.

Thread 'HPL Premium Plus PCMO 5w-30 10k mi; 2007 Nissan Xterra 204k mi'

Oct 23, 2025

UOA here of my second oil change of HPL Premium Plus. 6 months, 10k on the oil, 65 miles of interstate every day so not really short tripped.

Lead is quite concerning still, I read somewhere certain esters can spike lead idk if that's the reason here. Some people on the last uoa post mentioned chelation and cleaning as possible culprits, not sure if that's still the case or not. Still concerned a bit about how quickly this has thickened. Seems like with my driving style and engine even hpl wont hold up to 10k mile intervals. I have pictures under the valve cover from before and after the...

• skiller1nc
• Replies: 43
• Forum: Used Oil Analysis - Gasoline

• 

After that uoa I did 2 x 1000 mile runs of super tech 15w-40 full synthetic to flush out the hpl and prepare for the switch to Mobil 1 0w-40, I also changed my timing chain/guides/tensioner/water pump, drained oil and filled with Mobil 1 0w-40, drove 500 miles. Drained oil and replaced filter. Here are some photos of the drained oil and filter.

The filter is pretty full of carbon or dirt, much more so that the filters I cut open after running hpl. Did hpl loosen it and the 15w-40 carried it to the filter? Did the 15w-40 loosen it? Idk.

The drained oil looks quite dirty and concerning. It's definitely more metallic looking in the pan than on the paper. I took the pan, added some gas to thin the oil left in it and ran it through a coffee filter. The grit doesn't seem magnetic and that 1 larger chuck isn't either. So I think maybe it's not timing chain material?

Thoughts.

 

[bullwinkle]

Looks like aluminum-were the guides worn all the way through? Chain slapping on the timing cover? I prefer to think positively, maybe you’re just washing out debris from before you did the repair!

 

[Propflux01]

Not magnetic, and you have done recent previous maintenance? Perhaps the guides (if polymer) or tensioner?

 

[skiller1nc]

Looks like aluminum-were the guides worn all the way through? Chain slapping on the timing cover? I prefer to think positively, maybe you’re just washing out debris from before you did the repair!

Guides were worn through, secondary chains were riding on the metal tensioner pin that applies pressure the plastic guide (which had worn away). I replaced the tensioners and guides. No slapping on the timing cover afaik.

 

[skiller1nc]

Not magnetic, and you have done recent previous maintenance? Perhaps the guides (if polymer) or tensioner?

Guides are plastic. Would you expect this much initial wear. Kinda like break-in wear?

 

[fantastic]

With your Lead, Aluminum, & Tin elevated it's probably more than chains. Looks more like bearings... No sense in rebuilding it unless it's something you're wanting to do. Otherwise 15w-40 & send it? Give it some more miles & sample again if you want to.

 

[Propflux01]

Guides are plastic. Would you expect this much initial wear. Kinda like break-in wear?

No, not if the stuff is actually metal. If it is metal, something has let loose, or was improperly installed. Is it still running ok, just tons of nasty in the oil or?

 

[skiller1nc]

No, not if the stuff is actually metal. If it is metal, something has let loose, or was improperly installed. Is it still running ok, just tons of nasty in the oil or?

It seems to run fine for the most part. A few times on startup it has shook a bit almost like it wanted to stall, but corrected itself after just a second or 2.
It's makes some tapping noise at startup when below like 40°, made it before I did the chain replacement so it isn't new. I've been chasing that specific sound for 2 years to no avail. Its also a bit clattery when cold but again it's been like that for some time now. Sounds fine when warm and drives 60 miles a day with seemingly no issue. Oil pressure is fine too.

 

[Propflux01]

It seems to run fine for the most part. A few times on startup it has shook a bit almost like it wanted to stall, but corrected itself after just a second or 2.
It's makes some tapping noise at startup when below like 40°, made it before I did the chain replacement so it isn't new. I've been chasing that specific sound for 2 years to no avail. Its also a bit clattery when cold but again it's been like that for some time now. Sounds fine when warm and drives 60 miles a day with seemingly no issue. Oil pressure is fine too.

Then might be parts and such from the failed components you replaced. Change the oil again and see if it is the same.