How Screwed am I? (metal particles in oil)

[Rob175]

It's important to remember that a ONE TIME oil analysis is just that "a one time snapshot". You'll need a number of tests over a period of time to understand what's going on in your engine. Typically, only a series of tests will demonstrate "wear trends".

Also, understand that every oil analysis will show a variety of metals, since engine parts ALL wear and that's exactly why we have oil filters in the first place....to collect and isolate that worn material.

So take multiple tests over many miles to gain the best knowledge of your engines internals and trends....NEVER just one.

[78F350]

Originally Posted by Rob175

It's important to remember that a ONE TIME oil analysis is just that "a one time snapshot". You'll need a number of tests over a period of time to understand what's going on in your engine. Typically, only a series of tests will demonstrate "wear trends".

Also, understand that every oil analysis will show a variety of metals, since engine parts ALL wear and that's exactly why we have oil filters in the first place....to collect and isolate that worn material.

So take multiple tests over many miles to gain the best knowledge of your engines internals and trends....NEVER just one.

I agree that on a typical engine, multiple samples over time is good to find a trend. I think with oil that looks like this:


A one time analysis can tell you a lot.