Bright Flakes In The Oil
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 3
From: Moon Twp. PA USA
Bright Flakes In The Oil
Changed the oil after a cam break-in run. Found a few very small bright brass/copper particles at the bottom of the drain pan. I know this indicates bearing wear, but there was only a few at the bottom of the drain pan. Is this major trouble for my new 383??
Oil pressure, during cam break in, was 75-80 psi using Valvolene racing oil with a bottle of GM EOS @2000 - 2500 rpm for 30 minutes. Changed to Castrol 10w-30 for regular use, but have not run the engine - neighbors get upset when running a 'vette with chambered exhaust @10PM.
Thanks,
Oil pressure, during cam break in, was 75-80 psi using Valvolene racing oil with a bottle of GM EOS @2000 - 2500 rpm for 30 minutes. Changed to Castrol 10w-30 for regular use, but have not run the engine - neighbors get upset when running a 'vette with chambered exhaust @10PM.
Thanks,
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,176
Likes: 7
From: Jennings LA
makes me feel better
I feel a little better now I had the same thing except no brass. I did a complete overhaul, rings and all bearings, crank turned. after the first cam wiped a lobe after 15 miles. ran 2500 to 3000 for 30+ mins with diesel engine oil and EOS. drained the oil and saw metal flakes in the oil. scary after all that work.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 3
From: Moon Twp. PA USA
gator79:
I know the feeling. Fired it up today with the 10w-30, and cold, it still had the same oil pressure. No strange sounds, etc.. Tomorrow is cooling system maintenance, and maybe a run around the housing development without the hood. Then fine tuning.
I know the feeling. Fired it up today with the 10w-30, and cold, it still had the same oil pressure. No strange sounds, etc.. Tomorrow is cooling system maintenance, and maybe a run around the housing development without the hood. Then fine tuning.
Pro
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 520
Likes: 5
From: Front Range
The flakes aren't from the bearings, they're from your camshaft. Did you install an oil filter bypass block off to ensure the oil is going through the filter?
Be sure to change the filter along with the oil after breakin. Cut the bottom of the filter off and inspect for more flakes. It's normal to see some amount of material in here from the camshaft. Change your oil again after 100 miles and then you can switch to synthetic around 2000 miles.
good luck
tbw
Be sure to change the filter along with the oil after breakin. Cut the bottom of the filter off and inspect for more flakes. It's normal to see some amount of material in here from the camshaft. Change your oil again after 100 miles and then you can switch to synthetic around 2000 miles.
good luck
tbw
