Metal particles on oil filter. Please help.

[dustzen]

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum.  Please help.

 

I just did oil change on my 2001 boxster, and found some metal particles on the filter.

My car had LN engineering IMS bearing updated not long ago.

Is this normal wear or IMS bearing failure ?

Thank you

[JFP in PA]

Are the particles ferrous?

[dustzen]

I am not 100% sure. I used a magnetic pickup tool to pick it up, since the oil is so sticky, it always stick to the magnet. But I feel like it is because of the oil, because it has to touch it to pick it up. I will try it again.

 

Thank you.

Edited October 17, 2017 by dustzen

[mikefocke]

And why was the IMS done? Problems or just proactive?  Was a qualification done (inspected the filter and pan) before the replacement?  How long have you had the car? IMS done on your watch? What kind of oil filter?

 

Sadly, there are people who throw a LN in a car that had a failure and sell it on quickly before scattered debris from the earlier failure can show up.

[White987S]

Start using an L&N Billet Magnetic drain plug. Be careful, the torque spec is only 19 ft.lbs.

 

Also, on your next oil change, start doing Used Oil Analysis with places like Blackstone Labs. Go on Blackstone's web site and order the free test kits. I buy the actual tests in bulk of 6 and save a little money.

 

How often do you change the oil? I'd suggest every 5,000 miles, and at least yearly (on a low mileage car).

[dustzen]

Thanks.

 

I am thinking to install a LNE spin-on oil filter with the magnet drain plug. What do you think ?

 

Thanks again.

 

 

[mikefocke]

LN suggests using a filtermag. Lots more surface area. More expensive though.

 

Drain the particles on a paper towel.  Then test with the magnet. Metal particles can be copper, iron or aluminum. And of course there are plastic coatings and pieces of sealant.

[dustzen]

If the metals are ferrous metal, is it 100% ims bearing failure or it has a chance of not so major problem and normal wear ?

 

Thank you.

[JFP in PA]

30 minutes ago, dustzen said:

If the metals are ferrous metal, is it 100% ims bearing failure or it has a chance of not so major problem and normal wear ?

 

Thank you.

 

If there is a large amount of ferrous metal, it really does not matter where it came from, the engine has to come apart.