The car is a 99 Camry with a 1MZ-FE (6 cyl.) 280,000 miles. Regular oil changes and maintenance. Oil used has been synthetic. M1, PP, PUP, and Valvoline have been the oils over the last few years. It burns or consumes no oil between changes which have been at 5,000 – 6,500 intervals. Timing belt, water pump, tensioner, cam seals, valve cover gaskets done 93,000 miles ago in December 2013. Under the valve covers were clean with no sludge, just some varnish which I see is common in these engines.
About 6 or so oil changes ago I noticed some shiny gold like material in the oil drain pan after the changes. Drain pan completely clean before draining. This has continued every oil change since. Still runs perfect with no noise. I need help with the potential source of this “glitter”. Any ideas on what is coming apart? Obviously, I am concerned with what is happening.
Also, what are your thoughts on timing belt replacement? The belt is just over 3 years old but has run 93k miles. Would you feel comfortable running another 15k or so on it? I used the full AISIN kit if that matters.
I do plan on a new car soon so I am not looking to pump a bunch of $ into this. I am strongly considering a Dodge Charger with the 3.6L. The severity of the glitter will determine how quick I move on this.
Thank you in advance for your help.
About 6 or so oil changes ago I noticed some shiny gold like material in the oil drain pan after the changes. Drain pan completely clean before draining. This has continued every oil change since. Still runs perfect with no noise. I need help with the potential source of this “glitter”. Any ideas on what is coming apart? Obviously, I am concerned with what is happening.
Also, what are your thoughts on timing belt replacement? The belt is just over 3 years old but has run 93k miles. Would you feel comfortable running another 15k or so on it? I used the full AISIN kit if that matters.
I do plan on a new car soon so I am not looking to pump a bunch of $ into this. I am strongly considering a Dodge Charger with the 3.6L. The severity of the glitter will determine how quick I move on this.
Thank you in advance for your help.
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