metal flakes in filter

[jaekormtb]

On my last two oil changes I've found gold (looks like brass, copper, or gold aluminum) flakes in the oil filter. The car is a 99 Boxster, 2.5 engine, with 80,000 miles. I've had a few of the "normal" troubles: cracked coolant tank, secondary air pump cel's, failed oil separator, MAF cel's. Any thoughts on what's in store for me?? For what it's worth, the car is running strong and feels fine.

Edited January 4, 2006 by jaekormtb

[deliriousga]

You need to have an oil analysis done. You can go to Blackstone Laboratories and order their free kit to do oil analysis for $20. If you have a sample, you can send it in your own container as long as it's water tight and the top screws on. It's good to do one at every oil change so there are comparisons as the engine ages, but a single analysis will tell you if there's something urgent you need to tend to.

Since you said it's gold color, here's what they list for copper on their site:

Copper: Brass or bronze parts, copper bushings, bearings, oil coolers, also an additive in some gasoline engine oils.

Edited January 4, 2006 by deliriousga