What's in my oil? Advice appreciated
Discussion
I purchased a 993 a couple of months ago with 65k on the clock FSH etc. Everything is well except that when I checked the oil I noticed a lot of small metal filaments in the oil wiped from the dipstick. They are not magnetic but seem metallic. The car was recently serviced so the oil was pretty clean which is why it stood out. Been back to the dealer who is a little perplexed and had the oil and filters done again. However the particles are still there.
I must say there is nothing in the way the engine performs to indicate a problem. Truth is I know squat about engines so have to rely on the knowledge of others. The general advice I’ve been given is it is not a big deal especially given the 993 good reputation. Has anyone else had a similar experience?
I must say there is nothing in the way the engine performs to indicate a problem. Truth is I know squat about engines so have to rely on the knowledge of others. The general advice I’ve been given is it is not a big deal especially given the 993 good reputation. Has anyone else had a similar experience?
Not sure about your problem.
Though you could try searching on rennlist.com in the 993 forum.
Another option would be to have a sample of your oil sent away for analysis to find out what is present, your garage should be able to fix this up for you.
If they can't, then you could post a little sample bottle full to someone like Millers Oils in Huddersfield.
www.millersoils.net
Hope you get fixed up.
Martyn.
Though you could try searching on rennlist.com in the 993 forum.
Another option would be to have a sample of your oil sent away for analysis to find out what is present, your garage should be able to fix this up for you.
If they can't, then you could post a little sample bottle full to someone like Millers Oils in Huddersfield.
www.millersoils.net
Hope you get fixed up.
Martyn.
Proceed with caution!
Any metal fragments magnetic or not is not a good sign,due to the fact that a part in your engine is failing or due to fail in a big way.Also those fragments are been pumped around your engine causing damage on there way. I have just had a Top End Rebuild and that cost £6000.That was due to Base Gasket Failure not anywhere as serious as yours but that gives you an indicator on cost.Hope this helps.
It might be wise for you to obtain a second opinion.
Craig
Any metal fragments magnetic or not is not a good sign,due to the fact that a part in your engine is failing or due to fail in a big way.Also those fragments are been pumped around your engine causing damage on there way. I have just had a Top End Rebuild and that cost £6000.That was due to Base Gasket Failure not anywhere as serious as yours but that gives you an indicator on cost.Hope this helps.
It might be wise for you to obtain a second opinion.
Craig
I'd be very concerned about such a phenomenon. Non-magnetic obviously implies an alloy part is wearing abnormally - white metal shell bearing or a cam bearing? Oil taken from the sump will be filtered before being sent around the pressured circuit so it might not have done any other damage, but if the engine is run on until the wearing part, whatever it is, fails then there could be significant consequential damage.
Definitely seek expert advice - on such a recent purchase the seller's warranty might come into play?
Best of luck.
Definitely seek expert advice - on such a recent purchase the seller's warranty might come into play?
Best of luck.
well aluminium alloy isn't magnetic so it could be pretty much any part of the engine.
Are the pieces 'filaments' i.e. long thin swarf, or just tiny particles?
To be honest neither sound either normal or good news. Metal only scrapes off within an engine when there's not enough lubrication, and the oil filter ought to catch little bits anyway (for example, those caused during running-in)...
Only possible good news: someone removed the dipstick, put it down on a workbench where the oil picked up swarf, then replaced in engine. Easy check for this, I guess, is to remove the oil filter and see if this, too, is full of metal. If so, get it looked at ASAP
Are the pieces 'filaments' i.e. long thin swarf, or just tiny particles?
To be honest neither sound either normal or good news. Metal only scrapes off within an engine when there's not enough lubrication, and the oil filter ought to catch little bits anyway (for example, those caused during running-in)...
Only possible good news: someone removed the dipstick, put it down on a workbench where the oil picked up swarf, then replaced in engine. Easy check for this, I guess, is to remove the oil filter and see if this, too, is full of metal. If so, get it looked at ASAP
Jamesbr said:
The general advice I’ve been given is it is not a big deal especially given the 993 good reputation.
These engines are are very durable, but contrary to popular belief they are not "bullet proof" and can be easily damaged
Reputation is one thing, but neglect and abuse can be terminal even to the very best mechanical components.
Hope it`s not too serious...
OK, thanks for the comments chaps. It looks like tiny filaments e.g. swarf. A quick trip to the local OPC - they didn't have much idea other than to dismantle the engine, in fact they didn't seem overly concerned. I'll try to pursue the oil analysis route to get more facts. Don't know where I went wrong here, brought car from reputable independent and had expensive inspection done...
sadly stuff like this happens. It isnt easy to inspect an engine ie is it making the right noises, does it seem to not burn oil etc..?
Maybe if you have a warranty...?
Maybe you can get compression tests done before any stripping? Some garages will be able to get a listen with a stethescop (sp) ?
Maybe if you have a warranty...?
Maybe you can get compression tests done before any stripping? Some garages will be able to get a listen with a stethescop (sp) ?
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