SpyderSenseOC

Amen, brother.

Mika23

Marine Blue

At 23,000 miles you’re well past the break in period of this motor.

okie981

I've never seen more than 1 or 2 flakes that size in any oil change I've done in my cars with 9A1 engines, both 981s, and I usually don't see any even 1/2 the size of those flakes. I assume the oil has been changed before 23,000 miles? Unlikely it has gone that long without a change, but if 23,000 is the first, the break-in can produce some flakes like these. But I don't think as many as you see in your filter. There are other things besides aluminum that can produce flakes such as coatings on the piston skirts, chain tensioner material, etc. I always do used oil analysis and everything has always looked much better than averages for all 9A1 DFI engines at Blackstone Labs. I also use a magnetic drain plug, and never see anything but a little bit of grey powder.

terbiumactivated

I have a strong magnetic drain plug as well, since the company thought it belonged on the 944, I've put one on every Porsche I have owned since. Like you (and Sgt Schultz) I SEE NOTHING.

JCtx

I didn't see any 'flakes' on that photo, but if there were any, just keep looking man. Too many for sale to focus on a car that could be trouble in the future. That's also why I MUCH prefer to buy from an original owner. With dealer cars, you never know why they were unloaded, plus you rarely get any service history, since all owners remove any documentation with their name on it. Plus they've probably been abused by who knows how many people before you. Somebody selling his car privately would be extremely unlikely to lie or hide any issues with his car, it'd be safely pampered inside a garage, and never abused by elements or any driver. If car had any issues, owner would just trade it in and avoid any potential liability, so you never know what you're getting. And if car is not CPO, then there's absolutely no reason why not buy from an original owner instead. To me would be very important to have the entire history of the car, and be able to contact the owner for any questions. I always make myself available in those cases. Good luck.

ChicagoSpeed996

I don’t see anything abnormal in that photo. I do see what they are talking about and that seems to be well within the realm of normal from my experience. I do all my own oil changes. So I have seen a couple filters in my day and a random aluminum flake here and there is normal.

Richland

I had metal flakes in my oil after the first change. Nothing to worry about, especially if they are aluminum. If you're really worried get a compression test and have the oil analyzed, it's only $25 from Blackstone.

Mika23

Thanks everyone who replied. I passed by the dealer here on Sunday and had an oil change and their inspection performed. I mentioned the flakes to the service guy and he said that was nothing to worry about. He said he would worry more if those were not in there. Not sure how much I can believe him Also based on the old oil that was taken out there was nothing abnormal. With the fresh oil and filter in, I will check again in 1000mls and see how it looks then.

terbiumactivated

Perhaps there is nothing to worry about, however, if he truly said he'd worry more with the absence of any particles that sounds to me like a marketing statement.