Super small metallic flake in oil

M

mikewz71

Joined
May 11, 2025
Messages
16
Hello all, long time/first time.

2020 Silverado 5.3, 58k mi

I recently switched from Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5w30 to AMSOIL Signature Series 5w30 with the amsoil filter.

Upon reading the forum, I saw some issues with the amsoil filters so I swapped back to an acdelco pf63.

After the swap and top off, I noticed an ultra fine "mist" of flake in the drain pan. Hardly visible unless looking for it under a bright light. Almost like a light metallic paint's flakes. Not magnetic that I can tell, but they're so small. (Edit: particles are indeed magnetic)

Truck has 58k on it, I've been changing it roughly every 5k, this is the second change since switching to 5w30 from 0w20.

(Ignore the chunks that look like grains of sand, that's exactly what those are, blame the gravel driveway)

My question is, how much of this "glitter mist" is normal? I can't see anything in the filter pleats.

Video

Thanks in advance!
 
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For informational purposes only - If you can see the particles they are about 40-microns and larger. These would be considered abnormal wear. You can't see normal rubbing wear particles which tend to be up to about 10 microns.
 
Good to know. I just double checked with a stronger magnet, they are indeed ferrous.
 
Metallic glitter in oil is relatively common. If you search the forums here, you may find examples where there was some glitter and a stellar used oil analysis result. Guess: wear metals, oil additives and good old dirt, all too small for the filter to catch, can reflect light. I'm not going to say you are experiencing a cam/roller failure yet. You've chosen good oil and have low miles.

10 microns and up are visible with very bright light. Less than 10 microns can reflect bright light and appear metallic, including dirt. 1 micron or less are generally not visible even with bright light. But can produce a pearly look if enough of them exist.

Do you have a microscope? I have a Nikon stereo microscope that has modest magnification but great resolution. It will easily see micron and up sized particulates.

However, this is a great opportunity to perform a used oil analysis and watch trends.
 
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Cujet said:
Metallic glitter in oil is relatively common. If you search the forums here, you may find examples where there was some glitter and a stellar used oil analysis result. Guess: wear metals, oil additives and good old dirt, all too small for the filter to catch, can reflect light. I'm not going to say you are experiencing a cam/roller failure yet. You've chosen good oil and have low miles.

10 microns and up are visible with very bright light. Less than 10 microns can reflect bright light and appear metallic, including dirt. 1 micron or less are generally not visible even with bright light. But can produce a pearly look if enough of them exist.

Do you have a microscope? I have a Nikon stereo microscope that has modest magnification but great resolution. It will easily see micron and up sized particulates.

However, this is a great opportunity to perform a used oil analysis and watch trends.
Click to expand...
I don't have a microscope (anymore, had one as a kid, no idea where it went) but I may get a cheap one. Thanks for the advice! May be the motivation to actually do a used oil analysis.
 
mikewz71 said:
Hello all, long time/first time.

2020 Silverado 5.3, 58k mi

I recently switched from Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5w30 to AMSOIL Signature Series 5w30 with the amsoil filter.

Upon reading the forum, I saw some issues with the amsoil filters so I swapped back to an acdelco pf63.

After the swap and top off, I noticed an ultra fine "mist" of flake in the drain pan. Hardly visible unless looking for it under a bright light. Almost like a light metallic paint's flakes. Not magnetic that I can tell, but they're so small. (Edit: particles are indeed magnetic)

Truck has 58k on it, I've been changing it roughly every 5k, this is the second change since switching to 5w30 from 0w20.

(Ignore the chunks that look like grains of sand, that's exactly what those are, blame the gravel driveway)

My question is, how much of this "glitter mist" is normal? I can't see anything in the filter pleats.

Video

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
What issues did you see with Amsoil filter?
 
Donald said:
What issues did you see with Amsoil filter?
Click to expand...
There were a few C&P that failed the "flashlight test", one that the filter element was crooked, and a few people that mentioned them being restrictive.

It was probably fine, but my ocd felt better switching back to OEM, especially since I don't plan on my OCI going past 5-6k.
 
mikewz71 said:
There were a few C&P that failed the "flashlight test", one that the filter element was crooked, and a few people that mentioned them being restrictive.

It was probably fine, but my ocd felt better switching back to OEM, especially since I don't plan on my OCI going past 5-6k.
Click to expand...
A Mobil 1 oil filter might be a reasonable alternative to an Amsoil oil filter.

An OEM filter is typically a good quality filter. But there are better ones out there especially the ones with synthetic media.
 
I run OEM filters, but I know there not the best out there. Have a few Mahle's & Bosch mixed in the stash also. The key thing is that I'm doing 3-4K oil changes. If you plan on longer OCI's, like 10K, go with a better synthetic media IMO.
 
Hmm, I will have to try draining into a clean pan with my cars, as I've never really noticed much glitter in any motor oil, from a motor with a filter, after the 1st change? But I'm not shining a bright light into the bottom of the pan looking for it either.
 
Good info.

I just put in a magnetic drain plug and magnets on the filter to try to catch some of this.

Should I dump this oil (2500 miles on it) to try to remove most of the flakes and hopefully the new magnets keep it under control with fresh oil? I hate the idea that its all circulating.
 
mikewz71 said:
Good info.

I just put in a magnetic drain plug and magnets on the filter to try to catch some of this.

Should I dump this oil (2500 miles on it) to try to remove most of the flakes and hopefully the new magnets keep it under control with fresh oil? I hate the idea that its all circulating.
Click to expand...
I'm not really sure you have a big problem, but just to be safe, if you have any drivetrain warranty left, and you trust your dealer, take it in or give them a call, and talk about next steps before you drain the oil. If you don't trust your dealer, give GM customer care a call and see what they say. Even if you are out of warranty by time, I would still call, as sometimes they can extend some good will.
Having the dealer tech drain the oil and remove and examine what's in the filter, is probably best for a warranty claim, if its needed.
 
I think the Amsoil.SS oil is overkill for your truck if you change the oil at 5K. There are plenty of quality synthetic oils at Walmart for less.

It would be more cost effective if you were running extended oil change intervals.
 
Donald said:
I think the Amsoil.SS oil is overkill for your truck if you change the oil at 5K. There are plenty of quality synthetic oils at Walmart for less.

It would be more cost effective if you were running extended oil change intervals.
Click to expand...
I agree that its overkill, it's a truck that has sentimental value and don't mind paying more for oil.
 
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