How much copper metal flake is acceptable in oil...

[lsbruh43]

Got a "new" LS2 from a wreck, and did confirm 1-2% leakdown across the board. Internals looked as new as they get, however the first oil out of it had concerning copper metal flake pouring out the filter. The drain plug had a few mm of iron. So, did a oil analysis, came back 60 ppm copper - they said drive, retest as it wasn't indicative of failure. I just changed the oil, went around the block, checked the filter. Copper shavings again, not a ton but too much for a ride around the block. Maybe they were leftover from the last change?

My question is, at what point do I call it and tear it down? I get so many conflicting opinions to where ppl say LS motors just shed copper naturally, then others that say any visible amount is grounds for an overhaul. I don't want to tear it down to find no abnormal signs of wear, and I should have ran it ... I need experienced ppl to give me some insight here.

 

[Rand]

shavings wont even show on a uoa.
It has issues.

 

[kschachn]

shavings wont even show on a uoa.
It has issues.

Correct. If nothing else they get filtered out to protect the instrument.

 

[tedsweet]

none

 

[350Rocket]

Does copper mean that it's worn right through the bearing? I have a confirmed coolant leak from my first and only uoa on my 4.8 truck engine and it had 70ppm of lead from wear of the bearings from the coolant mixed in the oil but only 8ppm of copper?

 

[lsbruh43]

Does copper mean that it's worn right through the bearing? I have a confirmed coolant leak from my first and only uoa on my 4.8 truck engine and it had 70ppm of lead from wear of the bearings from the coolant mixed in the oil but only 8ppm of copper?

I believe copper is the soft coverings designed to identify failures before they become worse, through the bearing.

 

[wwillson]

however the first oil out of it had concerning copper metal flake pouring out the filter. The drain plug had a few mm of iron.

That is not normal. It's telling you that the end is of its life is approaching.

 

[350Rocket]

I believe copper is the soft coverings designed to identify failures before they become worse, through the bearing.

So you're saying I already wore through all the copper (hence low numbers on the uoa) and now I'm into the lead? I cut open several oil filters too because I was worried about the sludge I disturbed cleaning it out of the heads. I didn't find any metal at all.
Just elevated lead from the bearings and aluminum on the uoa.

 

[lsbruh43]

Here was that oil change

 

[Cujet]

That looks like someone used anti-seize such as C5a on some internal parts. I've seen that before, used as a torque reducing lube for internal bolts, or as an assy lube.

Before you disassemble it, I'd flush it multiple times and not worry about what you see unless it completely fails to clear up. I would also carefully observe oil pressure with a mechanical gauge and the correct oil viscosity.

 

[lsbruh43]

That looks like someone used anti-seize such as C5a on some internal parts.

I wish that was likely. I think I was the first one to remove the oil pan and the front cover. Oil Analysis said only levels high were copper

 

[lsbruh43]

So you're saying I already wore through all the copper (hence low numbers on the uoa) and now I'm into the lead? I cut open several oil filters too because I was worried about the sludge I disturbed cleaning it out of the heads. I didn't find any metal at all.
Just elevated lead from the bearings and aluminum on the uoa.

I honestly was guessing. Ive been looking up what components are copper in the engine, maybe you should look up which are lead

 

[KrisZ]

That is a lot for an oil that only has been driven around the block. Perhaps the wreck vehicle was a roll over and the engine was still running, or it just got tipped on its side.
Sort of like this one. It would definitely cause oil starvation and damage, if run for a little while before being shut off or it got starved from fuel.

 

[lsbruh43]

That is a lot for an oil that only has been driven around the block. Perhaps the wreck vehicle was a roll over and the engine was still running, or it just got tipped on its side.
Sort of like this one. It would definitely cause oil starvation and damage, if run for a little while before being shut off or it got starved from fuel.

View attachment 241451

I should clarify this was a bit over 3k mile oil and the first oil change I did

 

[lsbruh43]

When I dumped the filter out from around the block it had visual specs which may have been residual, but having some iron on the plug as well was a bit much i think