all should be well?
First Oil Change, Is This Normal?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,582
Likes: 136
From: SoCal CA
First Oil Change, Is This Normal?
Ive been driving my new LS3 for 800mi. (20k mi used shortblock) I did the first oil change today to see how the oil looked. The oil that came from the filter concerned me a bit. It had a slight greyish metallic look to it. Im paranoid from when I lost a bearing on my old motor so I dont know if this normal from the new parts breaking in or what. New parts include the heads, valvetrain, cam, oil pump and timing chain. I used a lot of assembly lube as well. What do you guys think?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,922
Likes: 219
From: West Branch, MI
Ive been driving my new LS3 for 800mi. (20k mi used shortblock) I did the first oil change today to see how the oil looked. The oil that came from the filter concerned me a bit. It had a slight greyish metallic look to it. Im paranoid from when I lost a bearing on my old motor so I dont know if this normal from the new parts breaking in or what. New parts include the heads, valvetrain, cam, oil pump and timing chain. I used a lot of assembly lube as well. What do you guys think?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,163
Likes: 6
From: Oceanside California
From what Ive seen it is normal. Break in oil and just new components will make a different color and smell at first.
Although If you only put 800 miles on it, I would re add break in oil... I think it takes longer than that to set in the piston rings. Then once you have reached normal mileage for a change, you should be good to go to normal oil.
Never-mind... sounds like the block was not redone... Did you have break in oil in at all?
Although If you only put 800 miles on it, I would re add break in oil... I think it takes longer than that to set in the piston rings. Then once you have reached normal mileage for a change, you should be good to go to normal oil.
Never-mind... sounds like the block was not redone... Did you have break in oil in at all?
Last edited by NukeC5; Aug 24, 2012 at 10:38 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
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From: Columbia SC
What was the color of your break in lube? Most I have used in years past were grey in color. A magnetic will not pick up bearing material unless you go to the steel backing which if you were there the motor would be seized. I don't think you have a problem.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 488
Likes: 2
From: Myrtle Beach SC
You could send a sample of the oil to Blackstone Labs, along with a clean sample of the oil you used (and the assembly lube wouldn't hurt either). They can analyze the used oil and provide results and advice/conclusions.
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This sounds normal to me. After doing a swap like that there will be a lot of excess fluids and lube that will be seen in the first couple oil changes. As long as oil pressure is good and you weren't able to find any metal in the pan I think you are alright.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,582
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From: SoCal CA
Thanks for your help guys. I used a convetional oil for the first 'break in' oil. I used the Lucas assembly lube which is a green color. The oil was pretty clear, as in clean, but the shimmer to it under the light was a greyish green metallic hue. With the 5w40 I put in yesterday my oil pressures today were 50+psi at cold startup, 40+psi hot idle (220*) and 55-60psi cruising around (1800-2000rpm). I plan to send a sample of the next oil change to Blackstone and see what they say.
Last edited by C5Natie; Aug 24, 2012 at 07:18 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,163
Likes: 6
From: Oceanside California
Thanks for your help guys. I used a convetional oil for the first 'break in' oil. I used the Lucas assembly lube which is a green color. The oil was pretty clear, as in clean, but the shimmer to it under the light was a greyish green metallic hue. With the 5w40 I put in yesterday my oil pressures today were 50+psi at cold startup, 40+psi hot idle (220*) and 55-60psi cruising around (1800-2000rpm). I plan to send a sample of the next oil change to Blackstone and see what they say.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,582
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From: SoCal CA
Very true Nuke. I wanted to wait for this next oil change just to make sure what I saw wasnt just assembly lube and stuff from the new parts. $25 for a uoa is cheap insurance and peace of mind.