Timmer

just checked the oil (when i say checked*, i mean inserted and withdrew the dipstick about 10 times looking for the film but got consistantly differing readings so gave up and put a pint in just for safe measures)

on the end of the dipstick a couple of times was what can only be described as 'brass glitter' - not a lot - but it shouldn't be there so has reinstilled me with 'the fear'


where does the dipstick go and is it before or after the filter in the flow of oil - (i'm saying a prayer for before - but either way some of my metal looks like it isnt where it's supposed to be (i.e. attached to the engine...)

has anyone else had this phenomenon?

If so, how long was it after you first noticed it was it that your engine blew up, you life was ruined, your girlfriend left you and your house was repossessed?

(just joking about the house, the rest is a distinct possibility )

help me rennlist!


*engine warm flat ground thermostat open (been there done that

DaveK

Since the oil circulates, I'm not sure there really is a "before" and "after" the filter.

I'd also warn against putting a pint of oil in "for safe measures". If you didn't need it, too much oil will cause you idle problems (will contaminate the ISV and air flow sensor).

I'm afraid I can't offer anymore good news!

kris

Timmer, you can breath again, read this

Geoffrey

To be sure, you can send your oil out for analysis. Costs about $20 and will tell you a lot about the condition of the engine. I do this with every oil change. The brass looking material may be copper from main or rod bearings. Who knows without an analysis done. If in doubt, $20 is cheap insurance.

Graham L

fantastic post - missed that the first time round...no need to worry the missus then...

Timmer

bless you kris for dispelling the fear!

greenjt

Geoffrey - Where do you send your oil out for analysis?

pete000

Interesting....

rodders

Scary
- but I would have thought that had it been a bearing breaking up it would have been accompanied with an interesting symphony of 'orrible noise - been there, done tha,t made the movie.
If it had been gradual wear oil pressure and engine temp would have given some warning - if it had been the squirter issue - there is not much, if any warning until the engine blows.
I suppose the bits of the stick guide would be caught by the filter

JW in Texas

I send the cup oil out every change also. I use:

http://www.blackstone-labs.com/

The usual; no affiliation just a happy customer.

Marc Shaw

You could also try www.youroil.net -- a Rennlist sponsor.

Geoffrey/Jay - to be clear - you send out some of the oil that you drained with the oil change? Do you ever send any between oil changes like the companies suggest?

Thanks....Marc

JW in Texas

Marc,
I never have but that's probably not a bad idea.
I went with Blackstone because they had been doing the car before I bought it & had all the previous sample records.

Geoffrey

I use The Oil Analysis Company - 804 526-1151 which Marc listed above. Yes, send out some oil in one of their containers. In my turbo car I just did it every oil change which averaged every few track events or about 800 miles???

An interesting note that recently I read that car manufacturers have been increasing the distance between oil changes in part because of the acids that are present in new oil. I don't recall all of the specifics, but remember it was an interesting article. In my street car (A4 v6) with 140k, I change the oil every 8k with a filter change at 4k.

Wachuko

Great thread guys!! For the few of us that freak out this is great... something not to be worried about.

sundog

If you suspect a bearing has let loose, you can take off the oil filter, and cut it open. There will be a lot of metal debris in the paper. The sound of my rod bearing failures has always sounded to me like a mis-adusted valve. Not a loud noise, just a little tapping at neutral acceleration.