Found in oil filter

[matao87]

First oil change after purchasing my 98 boxster and found two metal flakes and what appears to be 3 plastic pieces in the filter. The metal pieces appear to be non-ferrous metal as I could not get a strong magnet to pick them up even after careful cleaning to remove oil. From my research it appears that ims bearing material should be magnetic. Should I worry about a couple flakes at 89k miles? The plastic appeared to be brown color so in guessing chain guides...

[BoxsterSteve]

At 89k, it wouldn’t be unusual to find some VarioCam plastic or what is likely aluminum bits in the filter.
Most engines will shed little shards of metal as they age and wear.
I wouldn’t sweat it.

[78F350]

+1
I just did an oil change on an '01 with a little over 130K miles today. There were two minute aluminum flakes in the filter. The only ferrous material was fine dust on the magnets I installed. A little bit of very small pieces of plastic would not worry me. Chunks or lots of it would be a problem.
If you are concerned, but it runs perfectly, you can periodically unscrew and take a look at the filter without having to drain the oil. Just top it off with a few ounces afterward.

[matao87]

Thanks, I didn't realize I could drop the filter without dumping the oil. Might do that every thousand or so for piece of mind.

Originally Posted by 78F350

+1
I just did an oil change on an '01 with a little over 130K miles today. There were two minute aluminum flakes in the filter. The only ferrous material was fine dust on the magnets I installed. A little bit of very small pieces of plastic would not worry me. Chunks or lots of it would be a problem.
If you are concerned, but it runs perfectly, you can periodically unscrew and take a look at the filter without having to drain the oil. Just top it off with a few ounces afterward.