Metal particles in Oil

[marrt]

Whenever I change oil in my truck I notice what looks like metal particles in the oil when I examine the oil in strong sun light. I know one can’t answer this definitively without having the oil testing, however, it what I’m seeing likely to be metal, suspended water, air, or some other contaminant? In other words, is this common, or should I be worried? Thanks.

 

[John K]

I'd say reason for concern. Does it feel gritty? I think you should get it tested. Suppose you could check it with a magnet, but that will only tell you if it iron based. Water would appear pasty, or creamy, can't think of anything it is likely to be other than metal. What engine, how many miles, had any notable incidents? Good luck.

 

[GOPHER FREAK]

My guess would be that it's just carbon particles in the oil. I would definatly check it out though. If your truck is a dodge (with a 318/360) I can pretty much assure you it's carbon. Those motors for whatever reason made lot's of carbon.

 

[wgtoys]

Strange. I would think that any particle large enough to be seen with the naked eye should have been caught by the oil filter.

John

 

[kmrcstintn]

I owned a demised Daewoo Lanos for a bit over a year and that engine also made lots of carbon...lots of black deposits at the end of the tailpipe also...I got paranoid and started looking at other Daewoos when at the dealership or out and about and they had the same thing...lots of carbon

 

[mechtech2]

Looking at drained oil in direct sunlight is terrifying!
Especially transmission fluids.
I wonder if you are seeing metal particles, though. A broken in engine shouldn't have too many.
Could it be carbon?

 

[Triple_Se7en]

to the board!

Just curious!
1)What vehicle and year?
2)What were the last two oil brands & weights used?
3)Was it synthetic and conventional?
4)How long were your OCIs?

Answer per 1-4.

 

[Ramblin Fever]

Got to tell you, I started seeing the same thing in an engine that had 145k on it at the time; that same engine is still running good and strong 3yrs later, but I no longer use that same oil.

I will not disclose the oil brand, because it is a fabulous oil and kept this engine clean, running strong, just saw somethings within the oil (and not carbon deposits) that I haven't seen in other oils used since.

FWIW though, I have also used a slightly tad thicker oil since too.

 

[marrt]

Guys, sorry for the slow response:

1) Truck is a 2002 GMC 6.0L, 70K miles. Has the common GM “like an knock” cold start knock.
2) Don't know the brand used...was put in by the Stealer. Assume it was el cheapo. Assume weight was 5w30 but don't know for sure.
3) I'm sure is was Dino
4) OCI's are 5K. Maybe sooner if the light comes on...which it usually doesn’t?

Oil did not feel gritty. The particles were in suspension (floating throughout the oil).
Frankly, I’ve noticed this in other oils as well. I have a loader that uses motor oil for hydraulic fluid. In stroung sun light, it also appears to have floating particles, even thought it uses a huge 10 micron filter. Frankly, I assumed this was just the way used oil looked. Maybe not though.

 

[Kestas]

Would you say it looks like metallic paint when you stir it up? This is typical when draining transmission fluid and diff fluid... don't know about oil.

 

[mpersell]

Was it windy when you drained the oil? I had a similar scare and discovered it was dust in the drained oil. UOA showed no increased sand or silicone though.

 

[PT1]

time for Maxlife in that 6L and it will go another 100k no problem

 

[marrt]

Yes, it was more like metallic paint.

 

[steveh]

I always see copper color particles in the bottom of my black drain pan when I pour out my used oil. I never really knew if it was metal or somthing else.