Metal Flakes Found in Oil Filter

[ubii]

Originally Posted by san rensho

Thanks for posting all the pics. One set of the chain paddles were really chewed up. Were they from bank 1 (backside of the motor)? Were you able to determine definitively where the metal came from?

You're set for good long time. Drive it hard and sleep easy.

As for the metal flakes, I am still waiting for feedback from the shop, as to confirmation of their source. They did say that they found metal debris when they removed the IMS bearing and I am trying to see if they took photos of that or not. Not sure, but the metal flakes may have come from the pitting of the inner surface of the IMS flange and not directly from the IMS bearing itself, as seen in the photo below.

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2q-Fifzb5G3SXWpA6rl4Bw?feat=directlink

[ubii]

I spoke with the shop this afternoon, their feeling is that the source of the metal flakes was the pitting of the inside surface of the IMS flange, as seen in the photos below. Nevertheless, I will continue to check the magnetic drain plug and oil filter, each time I change the oil.

[WhipE350]

Interesting! That is pitted for sure. You have pics of the bearing itself to see why it might have caused that pitting?

[ubii]

Originally Posted by WhipE350

Interesting! That is pitted for sure. You have pics of the bearing itself to see why it might have caused that pitting?

Yes, there are photos of the exterior and interior of the IMS bearing (which I completely disassembled) in the photo album below.

https://picasaweb.google.com/111981285973242271059/986?authuser=0&feat=directlink

The shop thought that the pitting may have been caused by excessive moisture in the engine due to infrequent oil changes made by the previous owners. No pitting was seen on the IMS bearing nor on any other internal engine component, only the inside surface of the IMS flange. The exterior of the IMS bearing did show a bit of wear, which may have been caused by it loosing its press fit, as explained in one of my previous posts. Other than that, the bearing appeared to be in pretty decent shape, though it was fairly difficult to turn by hand.

[WhipE350]

Wow thanks for the great pics. A few thoughts - the chain tensioner had a bunch of wear, I really wonder why one car has this and another doesn't. One would think it might be the variation in the quality of the tensioners. It isn't clear what could have caused that pitting, the IMS looks like it was perfect...other then over time oil had forced its way in and mixed with the grease.

Thanks again.

[ubii]

No problem, my goal during this entire process was simply to share what was found and to learn everything I could along the way. BTW, here is a photo of the engine, taken by the shop, immediately after removing the IMS bearing. As you can see, there is no apparent damage visible in the photo. What is interesting is that the 1/3 of the inner surface of the IMS flange, which was not pitted, corresponds to the section highlight in red.

[JoeFromPA]

First off, this is clearly a commitment of love to the car. Nice.

Second, your engine is now bulletproof, you've got a new clutch kit on there, and your trans has a great history of lasting forever. Your drivetrain just got made.