Metal in oil filter and on magnetic plug
 

At the last oil change (4000mi) I opened the oil filter and found a few ferrous flakes. The magnetic oil drain plug also captured a few flakes. 52k mi on engine. Oil analysis showed only elevated copper and had no advice as to source. Engine runs great and has never been abused in the 25k mi I put on it. 2002 S. Any thoughts? Two attached photos show extent of metal. http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1434169261.jpg
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1434169368.jpg

Could be your IMS bearing failing...:eek:

That's not good.....
Next step is to drain the oil and remove the sump plate and see how much debris is in there.
Let us know the outcome.......

that's a lot of metal on that plug.

I assume the IMS is still original? Not sure what else causes those sorts of metal flakes other than a bearing failure....

When you do the IMS you might as well do the clutch,flywheel,clutch fork,slave cylinder and rear main seal...I also had the water pump, thermostat and belt replaced at the same time cause I was there...it's a pricey job but way less expensive then a new engine...sorry to hear and good luck:cheers:

Based on the size and shape of those particles collected on the drain plug, I'd expect that you have a failing camshaft/ lifter in process.

I would pull the sump plate and look for more. I would also pull the swirl pots and pull them apart. Since return oil from the cylinder heads/ valve train area passes through them, they collect a good bit of debris before it gets to the sump. The side with the most debris is the side where your issue lies.

Most importantly, cease operation of the engine until you find the source of the issue. With all this debris being generated as the engine runs, it's destroying its self from the inside out. It will run perfect until it pops, then you have thousands of dollars worth of collateral damage to contend with.

Please don't drive it to death.

That certainly makes sense I got a variocam actuator cel a few weeks ago. I don't remember the exact code number but it was bank 1 variocam actuator fault.

Wow...sorry for wrong info...learn a lot reading these forums...:cheers:

There ya go... Its not the actuator, thats just whats out of range from debris generation and wear.

Tear it down.

Well I don't know how to say this but Jake that was awesome. To make a correct diagnosis with incomplete info and a photo like that.....:cheers:

I was thinking the same thing. Pretty incredible, thank you Jake for your invaluable contributions:cheers:

I think the thing you learn most from reading these forums over the years is who you can trust. It is amazing to this humble observer how the same 5 or 6 people so consistently contribute to our knowledge and help people out all while running their day jobs.

Treat them kindly lest they burn out.