Oil Change - Your Thoughts on Brown Solid Particles? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

jrgill · 10-28-2018, 10:28 AM

Looking to the group here for a little guidance. I changed the oil in my car yesterday and performed an inspection of the filter element. The good news is that a very thorough inspection finds absolutely no visible metal particles. But, I did notice about 10-12 dark brown hard particles that appear to be a form of plastic or Bakelite type material. Most, if not all, had rounded edges as seen in the picture attached. I know a lot of people have much more experience than I do with this, so any thoughts on what this could be would be helpful. Additionally, any preventative actions I should take would be appreciated.

Thanks
Joe

jaykay · 10-28-2018, 10:54 AM

I need a dry close up but you might be looking at vario cam chain pad particles

NewArt · 10-28-2018, 02:09 PM

Well, if they’re not bedbugs, they’re probably chain pad bits, like jaykay said. You may want to check your camshaft deviation readings.

jsceash · 10-28-2018, 02:18 PM

Chain guide ramps, or as the other said +1 with Newart

jrgill · 10-28-2018, 06:04 PM

Thanks to all for your advice. I’ll provide an update after I get camshaft deviation readings checked.

Joe

jaykay · 10-28-2018, 08:44 PM

How many kilometres.....sorry miles / hours on the engine? You will likely not get an out of spec deviation if this is the first instance of particles.

When I had paper oil filters....I found that use of 0W40 yielded quite a few of these particles early in my engine's life....later after switching to 5W40 the number of these particles were reduced.

Driving style could affect this wear. IIRC theses pads are significantly more loaded under 3000 RPM and that this wear condition changes every time the 3K threshold is crossed (early 5-chain motors). There should be plenty of anecdotes from M96 engine experts here.

jrgill · 10-29-2018, 07:29 AM

JayKay - it’s a 2002, 2.7 model with 48,105 miles on the engine. It runs very well and I’ve had only one instance where it mis-fired while driving at around 2,800-3,000 rpm. That was about 700-1,000 miles ago. I use Motul full synthetic 5W40 motor oil and this is the first time seeing these particles.

Joe