My Used Oil Has A Glittery Look Under A Light

[ChevyGuy3100]

Hi, I'm new here, so I hope I'm posting this is the correct place!! When I change the oil in my car, the oil looks fine, but when I put a light on it, I can see a lot of glittery looking stuff. Same thing when I shine the light down the oil fill hole. I can see glitter floating around. Im using Pennzoil Conventional 5w30. The engine does have a knocking noise, but its always done that and has 220,000 miles now. Also when I cold start it after sitting a couple days, it knocks or rattles for a second or two, but goes away. It's not a lifter, it's a knock, but only after it has sit for at least two days. I ordered a kit from blackstone labs, so I'll send in a oil analysis. Thanks!

 

[datech]

nothing to worry about, just normal little bits of your engine wearing away mile after mile. They all do that. I think a lot of the time it is just the timing chain and little bits get knocked off as it runs against the chain tensioner.

You could switch to Mobil 1 5w30, which seems to be GM's favorite oil

 

[ChevyGuy3100]

Thanks buddy! I was hoping I'd hear that. It's the original timing chain with 220,000 miles. I guess I should change it soon.

 

[friendly_jacek]

This is something that doesn't get enough discussion and recognition here. In reality, if you examine any used oil in very strong light, like direct sunlight, you will see some glitter. Obviously, less is better and it shouldn't look like silver paint.
The UOA will NOT capture those particles as they are too big for UOA. You can order UO particle count, but it's more expensive. The cheap way to monitor particles is to use magnetic drain plug. That misses non-ferrous particles though.

 

[ChevyGuy3100]

I've tried the magnetic drain plug but I never get anything on it. I guess that's a good thing though! Haha

 

[Clevy]

Originally Posted By: ChevyGuy3100
I've tried the magnetic drain plug but I never get anything on it. I guess that's a good thing though! Haha


Aluminum won't catch being non ferrous and therefore not magnetic.
So think about what's made from aluminum. That'll be the source.
The fact that the filter isn't catching it is concerning.

 

[bullwinkle]

Sounds like typical GM piston slap-might try a little stronger High Mileage oil, like Defy or even an HDEO like Rotella. T5 10W30 seems to do pretty well in gas & diesel (all fleet) applications.

 

[Nick1994]

I had a Camry earlier this year and every oil change it was glittery. I did a used oil analysis and it came back great, but I would recommend you to do one too.

Here's the link with pics of it too

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/3262736/Metal_shavings_in_oil#Post3262736

 

[ChevyGuy3100]

That's what I thought. I've been using acdelco and I switched to Wix and still see it in the oil.

 

[ChevyGuy3100]

It still knocks after it warms up. I tried high mileage and it made the knock worse. It's picky lol.

 

[ChevyGuy3100]

Holy [censored]!! That's a [censored] ton of glitter! So th UOA came back good? That's good. What made the oil look like that? An additive?

 

[spasm3]

I still think it was restore, or some additive such as that.

 

[ofelas]

Additives, or with an older engine, bearing flake.

Nothing serious as long as you get decent oil pressure at hot idle and can see splash at the valve train through the oil filler cap when idling.

You will eventually have to change bearings when you hear rod/main noise.