Small metal shavings in my oil filter - OK or time to panic? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

ChrisZang · 03-18-2012, 10:26 AM

This is the very first time that I looked at my oil filter after an oil change, so I don't know if my findings are normal or reason to be concerned.

I found a bunch of tiny non-magnetic (so I guess they are aluminum) shavings in my oil filter (see attached pic)

Oil was changed after 5,000 miles (as I always do), the engine has about 40k miles

Comments, ideas?

JFP in PA · 03-18-2012, 10:43 AM

I would not be overly concerned at this point, there are only a few showing in the photo, and the fact that they are non ferrous in nature says that it is not critical at this time.

Would suggest the following: Add a magnetic drain plug. After about 500-750 miles, change the filter again to see if you are getting more/less/none. Based upon what the intermediate filter check shows, keep an eye on it to see what, if anything, changes or develops.

ChrisZang · 03-18-2012, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

I would not be overly concerned at this point, there are only a few showing in the photo, and the fact that they are non ferrous in nature says that it is not critical at this time.

Would suggest the following: Add a magnetic drain plug. After about 500-750 miles, change the filter again to see if you are getting more/less/none. Based upon what the intermediate filter check shows, keep an eye on it to see what, if anything, changes or develops.

Thank JFP,

much appreciated. I forgot to mention that I actually added the magnetic drain plug (from Pelican Parts) at my last oil change (5k miles ago) and the magnet didn't catch anything.
Will follow your advise and check the oil filter again in 500 ~ 750 miles, (guess that will be messy

JFP in PA · 03-18-2012, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisZang

Will follow your advise and check the oil filter again in 500 ~ 750 miles, (guess that will be messy

Not really, when you pull the filter housing, a bit less than 1 quart will come out in the housing. Check the filter, put in a new one and gasket, top off the oil, and you will be back in business...........

Topless · 03-18-2012, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

I would not be overly concerned at this point, there are only a few showing in the photo, and the fact that they are non ferrous in nature says that it is not critical at this time.

Would suggest the following: Add a magnetic drain plug. After about 500-750 miles, change the filter again to see if you are getting more/less/none. Based upon what the intermediate filter check shows, keep an eye on it to see what, if anything, changes or develops.

+1
A few shiny aluminum bits is pretty normal. More shiny bits that are attracted to a magnet are far more serious.

san rensho · 03-18-2012, 01:12 PM

You can even just reuse the old filter after you check it. I check mine every 1500 miles. I just pull it out, check it visually, obviously not cutting it apart. The, I just clean out the canister very well, put new oil in the canister and reinstall the filter.

The oil flow is from the outside of the filter to the inside, so you will see any debris that the filter catches.

Kenny Boxster · 03-18-2012, 03:45 PM

Hrmm I think it's kinda extreme reusing a filter after extended amounts e.g. 7500/10000 miles, as even if you can't see any debris, the pulp fibers accumulate fine silt in them. But, you should be fine as you said you check it and reuse after 1500 miles etc. I just changed my oil yesterday and didn't see a single speck of oil in the filter.

san rensho · 03-18-2012, 04:11 PM

We're talking about checking the oil filter between oil changes, I change my oil around 3k miles and inspect the filter around 1.5k miles to check for metal and any possible problems. I certainly am not advocating changing the oil and keeping the same filter.

Paul · 03-18-2012, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by san rensho

I certainly am not advocating changing the oil and keeping the same filter.

Porsche says to change the oil filter every other oil change or 2 years.

Idaho Red Rocket 3 · 03-18-2012, 05:57 PM

I thought the oil flowed from the inside out. ?????

JFP in PA · 03-19-2012, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Idaho Red Rocket 3

I thought the oil flowed from the inside out. ?????

It is outside to inside. And I would never reuse an oil filter, particuarly the treated paper end cap style of the OEM, they tend to leak at the end caps with only one use.........

SeanZ4 · 03-19-2012, 06:54 AM

I just did this same job (filter & oil) yesterday. The oil was 15 months old, but only had 791 mi. on it. It looked new coming out. What a waste. I just change it once a year and it's always way below on miles to be done. I have the magnetic plug from pelican also. It had a fine small amount of metallic sludge on the end. I cut my filter ends off and unrolled it. I didn't have the metal bits like the op. It did however, have little amber/brownish bits here and there. Maybe 1/2 dozen a the most. I've read somewhere on this forum what they might be, but can't remember????

jaykay · 03-19-2012, 07:37 AM

Chris,

Looks normal to me; plus they are not ferrous

Bala · 03-19-2012, 08:33 AM

If you have the time then pull the sump plate out and look in there as well. I found a lot more bigger pieces in there that are no ferrous. Might be a good idea to at least clean them out.

smshirk · 03-19-2012, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul

Porsche says to change the oil filter every other oil change or 2 years.

Porsche dealers replace a lot of motors!

Jager · 03-19-2012, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul

Porsche says to change the oil filter every other oil change or 2 years.

Yep, I change my oil every 3500 to 4000 miles and change the filter (OEM style) and inspect it every other oil change. Over 227,000 miles and counting.

thstone · 03-19-2012, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeanZ4

I just did this same job (filter & oil) yesterday. The oil was 15 months old, but only had 791 mi. on it. It looked new coming out. What a waste. I just change it once a year and it's always way below on miles to be done. I have the magnetic plug from pelican also. It had a fine small amount of metallic sludge on the end. I cut my filter ends off and unrolled it. I didn't have the metal bits like the op. It did however, have little amber/brownish bits here and there. Maybe 1/2 dozen a the most. I've read somewhere on this forum what they might be, but can't remember????

The amber/brown rubbery bits are excess gasket material. Generally not a worry.

SeanZ4 · 03-20-2012, 08:02 AM

thstone... that's a relief! I was thinking they were parts of the chain tensioners or something??? Maybe I read that somewhere? Is the metallic "sludge" on the mag. drain plug normal??

Flavor 987S · 03-20-2012, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smshirk

Porsche dealers replace a lot of motors!

Really, how many? We'd love to know that number. You must have the inside scoop. Cool beans.

Flavor 987S · 03-20-2012, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeanZ4

I just did this same job (filter & oil) yesterday. The oil was 15 months old, but only had 791 mi. on it.

Crazy!

I took the 993 Turbo out this weekend. First drive since late November, since it was in winter hibernation. I did more combined miles than this on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.