How long does it take once an IMS starts to go?

[southernstar]

Paint boy, I doubt there is any hard and fast rule but if you are doing oil changes every 3000 miles, I can't imagine it would go from no metal particles to a complete failure in that short a period - especially since you have a dual-row IMS bearing.

Brad

[Heiko]

If there's bits of water pump impeller in your oil filter you're in bigger trouble than you thought... LOL The only plastic bits you will likely find in the oil are chain guide/tensioner material...