Sparkle in oil - Engine Builders HELP
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,521
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From: West Islip New York
Sparkle in oil - Engine Builders HELP
I just finished my third oil change on a brand new engine. I can still see a little metalic sparkle although its getting less and less in the old oil. My first oil change was after the 20 minute first start up then at 500 miles and again at 1000 miles.
I assumed some of this would be normal, but now I'm getting at little concerned as I thought after 1000 miles I wouldn't see anything.
I mean theres not alot of it, just enough to notice.
Since I've never done this before, is this normal ??
I assumed some of this would be normal, but now I'm getting at little concerned as I thought after 1000 miles I wouldn't see anything.
I mean theres not alot of it, just enough to notice.
Since I've never done this before, is this normal ??
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,877
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From: Park Ridge IL
Re: Sparkle in oil - Engine Builders HELP (1MoorTym)
Yes, that is normal. I am assuming the specs are silver or grey. If they are copper colored, then it is indicative of a problem, because that means the bearings are shot. Also, it's a good idea to cut open the oil filter and check it out. Pull the pleated material out and check between the pleats. As long as there are no slivers of metal, you're probabl okay.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: West Islip New York
Re: Sparkle in oil - Engine Builders HELP (Monty)
The specs are silver in color and really small. How long does this take to go away, and what is this material ??
Great tip on opening the filter, I'll cut the next one.
Thanks for the reply Monty - I'll sleep a little better tonight........
Great tip on opening the filter, I'll cut the next one.
Thanks for the reply Monty - I'll sleep a little better tonight........
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Enter Post Count Here
Re: Sparkle in oil - Engine Builders HELP (1MoorTym)
I've read that its normal, my engine had quite a bit right after the first five minute run-up.
In aviation we call it "Making metal" and all new motors do it. I just changed my oil at about 700 miles and mine is no-longer doing it.
Cutting the filter is a really good idea, in aviation it is a required part of an inspection.
In aviation we call it "Making metal" and all new motors do it. I just changed my oil at about 700 miles and mine is no-longer doing it.
Cutting the filter is a really good idea, in aviation it is a required part of an inspection.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,877
Likes: 1
From: Park Ridge IL
Re: Sparkle in oil - Engine Builders HELP (1MoorTym)
Sounds like you're okay. The material could be alot of things - piston rings seating, cylinder walls, front of engine block behind cam gear, camshaft/lifters if it's a flat tappet cam, residue from machining, pushrod tips, rocker and lifter cups. Alot of different things creating minute amounts of normal break-in material.
It will contue to diminish over time, by the 3rd filter change it should be very minimal. However, if you have a magnetic oil pan plug, it's not uncommon to have a tiny amount accumulate over the life of the engine - just normal wear.
It will contue to diminish over time, by the 3rd filter change it should be very minimal. However, if you have a magnetic oil pan plug, it's not uncommon to have a tiny amount accumulate over the life of the engine - just normal wear.
Pro
Joined: Jul 1999
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From: Eagle IDAHO
Cruise-In I Veteran
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Re: Sparkle in oil - Engine Builders HELP (1MoorTym)
If your builder used the paste moly lube that comes with many new camshafts, that will make your oil look really strange, like its full of metal. Don't know how long that look will last through oil changes, but for the first one it is really scary looking.
If you are in doubt, take an oil sample to any truck fleet service center. They can have it analyzed for peace of mind. Pretty cheap for that.
If you are in doubt, take an oil sample to any truck fleet service center. They can have it analyzed for peace of mind. Pretty cheap for that.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,521
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From: West Islip New York
Re: Sparkle in oil - Engine Builders HELP (NHVett)
I used a combination of moly lube from comp, EOS from GM and finally some cam bearing break-in oil from clevite.
My first oil change was an interesting rainbow of various colors.
By the third the color was normal with just the slightest hint (I mean like barely visible) of metallic material in the bottom of the pan.
I've just installed a magnetic drain plug and will change the oil in a couple hundred miles, when I fully exepect it to clean up completely.
Just wanted to run it by those who've done this before. You know how second guessing yourself goes especially with a new engine :D
thanks all....
My first oil change was an interesting rainbow of various colors.
By the third the color was normal with just the slightest hint (I mean like barely visible) of metallic material in the bottom of the pan.
I've just installed a magnetic drain plug and will change the oil in a couple hundred miles, when I fully exepect it to clean up completely.
Just wanted to run it by those who've done this before. You know how second guessing yourself goes especially with a new engine :D
thanks all....
