[jb92563]

A few small aluminum flakes in the oil filter indicate minor if not normal wear.

Since aluminum particles are relatively soft, any that bypass the filter and circulate around the engine, if they are tiny, may not do much damage BUT Magnetic particles are hard steel or iron and very detrimental to EVERYTHING inside the engine and having these circulate around the engine will do damage to bearings and other parts which will in turn quickly cause the engine to have problems and then fail completely.

The failure can cause considerable damage and render an engine unrepairable and require replacement.

If it were my engine, I would expect it to fail soon and I would be looking for another engine to replace it since the cost of a rebuild is so high in your area.

Other wise I have a shop take it apart immediately to see if it is still repairable with a partial or full overhaul before something devastating happens internally.

Any mechanic that thinks its OK to have you drive your car with magnetic particles of that magnitude in you oil filter is just plain wrong and giving BAD advice.

I would not let THAT mechanic touch your car as he if full of crap advising you that what you are seeing in your oil is OK.

I know you prefer the good news from that mechanic, but ..

Best of luck to you.