In most cases, metal shavings will be present with each subsequent oil change. The problem with accelerated bearing wear is that it is a never-ending cycle. With time, worn bearings no longer hold pressure in the same manner as they did when new, thereby allowing oil to pass without resistance. This often leads to a noticeable drop in oil pressure. This exponentially complicates matters and can lead to multi-bearing failure in short order.
In general, an oil filter will catch the vast majority of large metal shavings circulating throughout an engine. However, many metallic particles are too small for even an oil filter to catch. Low oil pressure coupled with metal shavings in the oil is a sure sign that the engine bearings can be worn. A worn oil pump can also cause low oil pressure, but oil shavings would be rare except for a catastrophic oil pump failure. Confirming the color and type of shavings in your oil is the best way to decipher what has failed inside the engine.
If you find that the shavings are iron, which can be easily detected with a magnet, you can assume they must be from rotating parts such as the camshaft, crankshaft , or valve train parts. Turbocharger failures can also contaminate the oil with metal shavings. These types of failures will affect the engine performance. A worn turbo will make noise and cause the engine to burn oil.
Valvetrain failures will cause the engine to run rough and set a trouble code. If the shavings are copper, brass, or bronze, the likely failure is a worn bearing or bushing. Camshaft bearings, wrist pin bearings, crankshaft, or turbo thrust bearings will leave behind copper-colored shavings or dust particles.
Noise from the engine will be apparent when these components wear to the point of leaving shavings in the oil. The primary and rod bearings contain three layers, each containing a different metal.
The hard steel back is the strength of the bearing. The second layer is the lining, which is an aluminum alloy made to absorb imperfections and catch and embed small particles. This layer is very thin, less than one-thousandth of an inch.
It contains tin and copper. When these bearings wear, they will leave definite clues. Without lubrication, these moving parts will grind into themselves and wear out fast. Oil passes through all these moving parts. Now, picture sandpaper and the effect it has on wood. Now imagine it with the speed that pistons move in the engine. The best oil in the world will still have metal debris as the metal slowly chips off little by little. The work of the oil filter is to catch these little metal shavings.
And it does an excellent job at that. But it is not perfect. Eventually, some metal shavings will slip through and enter your engine. It is why you should change both your oil and oil filters regularly.
Always pay attention to your car. From the minute you put it on the ignition, listen to the engine rev, follow the lights on the dashboard, and see if the check engine light is on. Good drivers know the state of their cars every time they drive it. When your car is on the idle mode, it should be calm and still. But if it vibrates and shakes, then your oil might be the reason. If there is a problem with sufficient lubrication in the engine, your engine is in trouble.
Lack of lubrication means vital pieces of your engine grind against one another. If this continues for long, your oil quality becomes compromised. Aluminum Shavings 4. Brass, Bronze, or copper shavings. Metal shavings in your engine can cause severe damage to your engine if not addressed quickly.
Shiny or Glittery Oil. The metal shavings in oil are almost microscopic, making them very hard to see. Using the only dipstick to determine if there are metal shavings in your oil is difficult. Stick your dipstick into your oil several times and repeat the process. When looking for metal shavings, you want to love anything shiny or glittery.
Rough Idle. Rough idling is characterized by jerking or stutters when driving or starting a vehicle. Ticking or Rubbing Noises. Ticking noises are another sign that you might have metal shavings inside your oil. The ticking noises occur because the oil is not flowing properly throughout your engine. This can be due to excess metal build-up inside your engine or due to a thick gunky oil.
This lack of lubrication is your engine parts hitting or rubbing against each other. Decrease Engine Power. This excess friction reduces your engine work harder than it needs to and decreases its power. Engine Knocking. White smoke coming out of your exhaust is another sign that you have metal shaving in your oil.
The white smoke is a result of contaminated oil. In severe cases, metal shavings can cause leaks or extreme damage to other areas of your engine. When this occurs, your oil and fuel can begin to mix together. Metal shavings inside your oil can contaminate your oil and cause clogs. These clogs will prevent it from reaching the necessary engine components. To check your engine oil pressure, all you need is an oil pressure gauge.
For a guide on how to do it you can check out the video below. What Causes Metal Shavings in Oil? The main cause of metal shavings in oil is friction and lack of lubrication. There are several things you can do to determine if your oil has metal shavings. Check your oil for a shinny or glittery effect. Use a magnet to detect metal in the oil.
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