Mongo

At 160k miles, my oil looks like this... Metal shavings. Guess that's it then.

hacker-pschorr

What is the name of that oil additive you've been insisting for years was worth using and couldn't hurt?

Mongo

Rislone 4405 with ZDDP. Used in every other oil change, every 18 months. Are you assuming that is what killed the engine?

jschiller

^^Ouch

FredR

What is the crank end float at?

Mongo

I don't have a dial indicator, but my painted marks showed no movement of the collar and shaft. I'm buying a dial indicator so I can check it when it arrives off the truck.

I've done the flexplate tension check on all my oil changes and no movement. Car is driven less than 500 miles a year since 2014.

dr bob

Andy --

Carefully cut the oil filter open and verify the metal. Metal generally doesn't float on the oil, while dust/crud that was sitting in your catch pan will.


Or maybe you are just looking for a reason to do the ls swap?

FredR

Andy,

The flexplate tension check tells you TBF has not happened but it does not forewarn you it is about to or offer any guarantee it will not happen! Any of these autos running without mitigations to prevent TBF is a potential victim.

Let's just hope it is not TBF albeit particles like that in oil are obviously very worrisome no matter the cause.

Mongo

Bummer I don't have tin snips to do it clean to prevent the actual filter material from contaminating.

I was able to turn the filter upside down in a cup and drip it on cardboard. Not a heck of a lot of sparkles but still visible.

I did go out for a drive and man it runs good. Idle is glass smooth at around 650rpm and just wants to keep pushing.

And no I really don't want to put my 5.3 LS in it. I was saving it for a 944 track car.

dr bob

Oil flows through the filter outside to inside, and the filters have an anti-drainback on them (rubber flap that covers the outer holes from the inside...), so the oil you see drain from the filter while sitting on end is not really going to include any metal that was caught in the filter media. There are dedicated oil filter cutters, like a giant pipe cutter. with sharp wheels to do the deed but not leave any saw cuttings to confuse the test. The can comes off, and the paper media comes out after a little razor-knife surgery. Lay it out flat, outside face up, and let the oil drain out naturally. Any significant metal particles will be visible, especially under a bright light.

Mongo

Thanks. Since coronavirus has us all locked down, I'm left to Amazon and online stores for tools and parts. Will buy some tin snips tonight and a big pipe cutter.

jcorenman

Here you go, delivery by sometime this week: Don't use snips, it is an awful job and you'll shoot your eye out.

There's your problem. You're probably looking at dust. Or maybe zinc... That oil doesn't hardly look used.

Mongo

Hey Jim, that's what I first thought too, but considering how prone auto 928s are to TBF, I am assuming the worst until I chop open the filter and measure crank endplay (finally) without having to eyeball painted marks.

If indeed it is dust due to lack of frequent use, it'd be the best news I've received all month.

FredR

Andy,

Investigation is your friend here. For sure be concerned about your observation but do not be overly disssmayed unless and until you get to the bottom of it- hopefully there will be a good outcome..

Mongo

Thanks, keeping the faith here...