copper colored particles in oil
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
copper colored particles in oil
I have an Lt-4 and at my last oil change I noticed copper colored particles at the bottom of the oil change pan. There wasnt a lot but it does concern me. The engine is completely stock and I change oil every 3000 miles with mobil 1 synthetic and I use purelator oil filters. It still has plenty of oil pressure, 52psi at idle, and runs great with no noises. I live in the Phoenix area and use the 10w-40. It has 75,000 miles on it.
Do I have a bearing going or is this normal?
Any known issues with the LT-1/4 regarding this?
Do I have a bearing going or is this normal?
Any known issues with the LT-1/4 regarding this?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 9,700
Likes: 3,469
From: Akron Ohio
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner - Modified
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St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
My guess would be bearing but it doesnt sound probable. Do you track the car at all?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 804
Likes: 5
From: Fresno CA
You could verify what the material is by sending a sample to these guys:
http://www.blackstone-labs.com/
I have been using them for a few years now and send them a sample of the oil from my Powerstroke Diesel every other oil change. It's very reasonable and they send you back a very detailed analysis report.
http://www.blackstone-labs.com/
I have been using them for a few years now and send them a sample of the oil from my Powerstroke Diesel every other oil change. It's very reasonable and they send you back a very detailed analysis report.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,966
Likes: 4
From: Made In America
St. Jude Donor '10-'11
I have an Lt-4 and at my last oil change I noticed copper colored particles at the bottom of the oil change pan. There wasnt a lot but it does concern me. The engine is completely stock and I change oil every 3000 miles with mobil 1 synthetic and I use purelator oil filters. It still has plenty of oil pressure, 52psi at idle, and runs great with no noises. I live in the Phoenix area and use the 10w-40. It has 75,000 miles on it.
Do I have a bearing going or is this normal?
Any known issues with the LT-1/4 regarding this?
Do I have a bearing going or is this normal?
Any known issues with the LT-1/4 regarding this?
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,966
Likes: 4
From: Made In America
St. Jude Donor '10-'11
You could verify what the material is by sending a sample to these guys:
http://www.blackstone-labs.com/
I have been using them for a few years now and send them a sample of the oil from my Powerstroke Diesel every other oil change. It's very reasonable and they send you back a very detailed analysis report.
http://www.blackstone-labs.com/
I have been using them for a few years now and send them a sample of the oil from my Powerstroke Diesel every other oil change. It's very reasonable and they send you back a very detailed analysis report.
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Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Thanks for all of the quick replies! It hasn't seen any track time. I actually don't drive it that hard. I made sure the oil pan was clean before I used it. I never thought about the valve guides. Are they more or less susceptible to wear when Roller rockers are used? If it is the valve guides would I be able to hear it or detect it in any way?
Take a look now. It may save some $$$$, to find a problem early.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,050
Likes: 147
From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
If the bearings are down to the copper, you have a detonation problem.
I too live in the Phoenix area, and drive my car in the summer about 4 days a week, and no copper colored anything.
I too have 52 PSI at idle.
I too live in the Phoenix area, and drive my car in the summer about 4 days a week, and no copper colored anything.
I too have 52 PSI at idle.
Last edited by coupeguy2001; Mar 13, 2009 at 10:20 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 804
Likes: 5
From: Fresno CA
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
I dont believe I have a detonation problem. The only time I here it knock is when it starts when it is warmed up. It makes about 2 knocks while starting. I assume that is the computer checking the timing or knock sensor. Is this correct?
If it is a connecting rod bearing and if I caught it early is it possible that there might not be any dammage to the crank shaft journal? Would I be able to just replace the bearing? I assumed if the bearing is bad then the journal would have to be resurfaced.
If it is a connecting rod bearing and if I caught it early is it possible that there might not be any dammage to the crank shaft journal? Would I be able to just replace the bearing? I assumed if the bearing is bad then the journal would have to be resurfaced.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,966
Likes: 4
From: Made In America
St. Jude Donor '10-'11
I dont believe I have a detonation problem. The only time I here it knock is when it starts when it is warmed up. It makes about 2 knocks while starting. I assume that is the computer checking the timing or knock sensor. Is this correct?
If it is a connecting rod bearing and if I caught it early is it possible that there might not be any dammage to the crank shaft journal? Would I be able to just replace the bearing? I assumed if the bearing is bad then the journal would have to be resurfaced.
If it is a connecting rod bearing and if I caught it early is it possible that there might not be any dammage to the crank shaft journal? Would I be able to just replace the bearing? I assumed if the bearing is bad then the journal would have to be resurfaced.
Last edited by M.J.L.; Mar 14, 2009 at 04:05 PM.
