Specs of debris in oil filter

[SeanBeck]

Hello,

When I did oil change on my Boxster(2001 S 33,000mi) last weekend, I cut open the old oil filter and noticed a couple dozen specs(~2-5mm in size) of debris. They were mostly black and seemed to be non-metallic (none of them attracted by a magnet). I read somewhere that says they are most likely from timing chain guide that’s made of plastic. Should I be concerned? Any help is appreciated.

[spinjockey]

Based on your description I would say timing chain guides. There are several guides on the 2002 and earlier engines. These engines typically have increased wear on the guides for the intake/exhaust cams. They flake off in bits and will eventually fail. Best thing to do is keep an eye on it and monitor your cam deviations. Anything over +/- 6 degrees on either side is out of spec. One side may wear more significantly and should be cause for concern and service.

[SeanBeck]

Originally Posted by spinjockey

Based on your description I would say timing chain guides. There are several guides on the 2002 and earlier engines. These engines typically have increased wear on the guides for the intake/exhaust cams. They flake off in bits and will eventually fail. Best thing to do is keep an eye on it and monitor your cam deviations. Anything over +/- 6 degrees on either side is out of spec. One side may wear more significantly and should be cause for concern and service.

Thanks spinjockey. What’s the first sign I should look out for out of spec of cam deviations?

[spinjockey]

Originally Posted by SeanBeck

Thanks spinjockey. What’s the first sign I should look out for out of spec of cam deviations?

There are no signs other than debris and using a diagnostic tool like piwis or diametric to read the cam deviation angles. If you let the deviation get too far out of spec then you could get a check engine light (best case) or a bent valve (worst case). You would get a bent valve if the chains jump time.

Often these cars develop seeps in their cam covers. It is common to service the cam pads when you reseal the cam covers because you’ve already opened up the top end. The problem is few people want to do this repair with the engine in the car. You do get a better repair with an engine out service.