Need some help
 

Just changed the oil and found this in the filter.

Attachment 17922

The brown pieces look like plastic the metal in not magnetic so is aluminum. So, what do I need to fix?

97. 29,000 miles. 3,500 on Mobile 1 0W40 at last change. Nothing at last change but only 900 miles on that change.

The metal is concerning - if it were me I'd have the IMS inspected before driving the car, or running it for that matter any further.

Jamesp

My First thought also but wouldn't the debris from a failing IMSB be magnetic?

Yes, IMS bearing particles would be magnetic. Jake would probably be the best one to advise, but possibly the chain tensioners and guides could lead to this (the guildes are plastic and the tensioners are aluminum as I recall)? Regardless, they seem like rather large particles and I for one would not start the engine without a proper diagnosis and repair.

Good luck!

Brad

Good on you for checking your filter. Based on what I have read in other threads, the brown plastic bits are probably from your chain guides, as mentioned above. I'd be really concerned about the metal fragments and would also not run the car until I knew where they were coming from.

Changed the oil in prep for winter lay-up. The aluminum is very thin; flake like not chunks.

I missed the non-magnetic comment. IMSB material would be magnetic (I have data). When the IMSB failed in my car the chain did contact the block but only enough to scuff the chain pattern into the aluminum, I don't think it made chips.

Regardless of what material and where it came from, any particles that size in the oil is NOT good news. I would get it towed and checked out pronto!