used oil analysis with flashlight.

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Im wondering if anyone else has ever examined their used oil with an led flashlight, particularly like what is left in the bottom of the drain pan. Ive never had a car experience a mechanical failure but every drain pan I have ever examined after an oil change with a strong flashlight or even direct sunlight is a scary sight, with at least some metalic looking particles suspended throughout.
 
On new engines during break-in you'll see some metallic "shimmer" in the oil for the first couple oil changes. Stuff too small for the filter to catch.
 
I have done a few piston re-ring & replacing all the seals/gaskets, only once did the oil pan have metal shavings (this was a failed engine), all the other oil pans had A LOT of DIRT in them, even after using a solvent cleaner of some sort, brake parts cleaner, and scrubbing with a metal brush...there was always a dirt residue left behind.

But then again these were neglected engines before I acquired them, now all of them run flawlessly (my opinion) as I have always gotten better then EPA rated mpgs from these cars.

I have never had a new car to maintain it the "right" way to see if they will all still end up at the same point as the used cars I have bought.
 
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