Metal deposits on oil drain plug??

[Firecat F7 Viper]

What exactly are the small metal shavings that appear on the oil pan magnetic drain plug. Usually they are very miniscule but the last time I changed my oil there was a solid piece about the size of a grain of rice. Car only has 7,900 miles on it and runs like a top. Is there anything to be concerned about and are the shavings normal? Car is totally stock.

 

[99 R/T 10]

Great question, bet Chuck Tator or some of the other Techs would know. Chuck?

 

[Blue Pilot]

On your next oil change, I would cut open the oil filter and inspect for any metal. Unravel the paper element and run a magnet over it and see how much metal you get out of it.

 

[AviP]

On your next oil change, I would cut open the oil filter and inspect for any metal. Unravel the paper element and run a magnet over it and see how much metal you get out of it.

Like he said. Dry it. Disect it. Run a magnet over the paper.

 

[Larry Macedo]

How many miles on your car and how hard do you drive your car? We have noticed that on higher mileage cars which been run hard will have excessive wear on the connecting rod bearings, most specifically the #3 and #4 journal. This is quite common and in most cases can be rectified by polishing the crankshaft journals and replacing the bearings with a coated connecting rod bearing.

 

[Ulysses]

What exactly are the small metal shavings that appear on the oil pan magnetic drain plug. Usually they are very miniscule but the last time I changed my oil there was a solid piece about the size of a grain of rice.

The small, miniscule shavings are the result of metal to metal contact (bearings, rings, etc.) and are normal. Larger solid pieces are a concern and are usually parts of bearing material.

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

Aren't the bearings aluminum and other non-magnetic materials?

 

[Ulysses]

I think the OEM is a bi-metal. Aluminum being one of the components.