There are several issues that should be a significant concern to drivers and car owners if they don’t want to have fainting experience in the long run, and metal shavings in oil are one of those issues.
Metal shavings in oil are considered a threat no matter the amount you see. If you see metal shavings in an oil dipstick while checking your oil level, do not take it lightly. You have to take quick action to fix it.
This article explains metal shavings, their causes, what you should do yourself when you see it, and when you need a mechanic to track down the cause of the metal shavings in the crankcase and fix it. First, what the heck is metal shaving?
What is metal shaving?
Metal shavings are those chippings, flakes, or tiny metal particles in engine oil. It is typically a result of oil contamination or friction and wear in the engine’s moving components.
So, what do metal shavings in oil look like? Metal shavings look like tiny metallic particles. They are mostly seen on the oil dipstick, crankcase, and oil filter.
Although metal shavings have different looks, and each look indicates a particular problem. They are as follows;
Shiny aluminum particles: Indicates accelerated wear on engine surfaces.
Tiny copper, bronze, or brass particles: These particles look pretty different from other metallic particles. They indicate wear or damages on the engine bushings or bearings.
Tiny iron particles: If you see small iron particles, there are issues with the engine rotating components such as crankshaft, camshaft, and some valve train parts.
What does Metal Shavings in Oil Mean?
Think about using a nail file to trim your nails. This leaves behind a powdery residue. It happens as a result of friction between your nails and the nail file. Essentially, that is what is taking place within a poorly oiled engine.
All the moving metal components quickly rub against one another when the engine is operating at 3,000 RPM, for instance. A piston with a 3.5′′ stroke, for instance, moves 7 inches every revolution.
With only a thin film of oil protecting it, the piston is moving at 3000 rpm at a rate of 1750 feet per minute.
Small metal shavings would be produced between the metal parts due to heat and friction if they weren’t properly lubricated. Metal shavings come in a variety of sizes, although the majority are tiny.
Identifying Metal Shavings
Detection often begins with a visual inspection of the used oil during a routine oil change or when investigating a suspected problem. Here’s what to look for:
- Appearance: Metal shavings can appear as shiny, glittery particles suspended in the oil. Larger flakes may settle at the bottom of the oil pan or reservoir.
- Texture: Rubbing a small amount of oil between your fingers can help identify the presence of metallic particles. A gritty or abrasive feel is a strong indicator.
- Color: The color of the shavings can provide clues about their origin. For example, brass or bronze shavings may indicate wear on bushings or bearings, while steel shavings could point to gear or cylinder wear.
- Using a Magnet: Running a magnet through the used oil can help isolate ferrous (iron-containing) metal shavings. This is particularly useful for identifying wear from steel components.
- Oil Analysis: Sending an oil sample to a laboratory for analysis is the most accurate method of identifying and quantifying metal particles. Oil analysis can also determine the specific types of metals present, providing valuable insights into the source of the wear.
What Problems Are Caused by Metal Shavings in Oil?
Metal shavings in oil have ill effects on your vehicle, from hindering the engine’s performance to producing strange noises.
#1. Decreased Power.
A decrease in power could mean metal shavings have clogged the oil filter. Oil greases the moving parts of your engine, and a clogged filter can keep the lubricant from going where it needs to.
The oil that gets through the faulty filter is usually contaminated with grime and dirt, which means it’s not that effective in reducing the friction between moving parts. Neglecting the issue could severely damage the engine.
#2. Rough Idling.
Rough idling is the excessive shaking and vibrations you feel when the engine is running but not moving. Some of its symptoms include bouncing, shaking, stalling, and backfiring.
There are a handful of probable causes, and the lack of proper lubrication in components is one of them. As mentioned, a clogged oil filter caused by excessive metal shavings means there’s not enough oil to lubricate different parts.
#3. Ticking Noise.
Moving engine parts can produce ticking noises when they rub against each other without adequate lubrication.
#4. Engine Knocks.
Built-up metal shavings could also result in engine knocks, which are the clunking sounds you hear when accelerating. They occur when the fuel is burning unevenly, likely due to an incorrect balance of air and fuel.
Fuel usually burns in small and regulated pockets before creating a small shock and igniting the next pocket. Knocks happen when the uneven burning makes the shocks go off at the wrong time.
#5. Illuminated Check Engine Light.
An illuminated check engine light could mean a handful of things, from something minor like a loose gas cap to severe issues like a damaged engine component.
While it won’t light up to indicate the built-up shavings, it could activate when a lack of lubrication is affecting auto parts.
There are also late-model vehicles with oil pressure or oil pressure change indicators that light up when there are issues with the oil.
What causes metal shavings, and where do they come from?
Let’s now spend some time discovering the causes of the metal shavings in oil phenomenon.
Knowing the causes will enable you to identify your mistakes, comprehend how the issue arose, and determine the steps you need to do to stop it from getting worse. Let’s go into more detail about the causes of metal shavings in oil.
#1. Uncommon Oil Changes.
Let’s now talk about the causes of the metal shavings in oil. What is the main cause of this problem and who is to blame?
The infrequent oil changes are the main causes of metal shavings. Changing your engine’s oil prolongs its life. The engine will experience more wear and tear the less frequently the oil is changed.
Engine oil is a lubricant that is necessary for your engine’s life, as you are surely aware. This lubricant will begin to harm the engine internals if it is not functioning properly.
As the internal friction increases and the components operate roughly, metal shavings start to show up. The level of internal damage will increase the more frequently the engine operates in this manner.
Your engine will thank you if you perform more frequent oil changes. The oil should be changed as soon as possible.
This engine won’t let you down or result in metal shavings in oil if you follow these instructions to get the most mileage out of it. Let’s move on to the following likely cause of this issue.
#2. Exhausted Rod Bearings.
Rod bearing wear is the second most likely factor that could result in metal shavings in oil. Between the crankshaft and the rod, these bearings are located. The rod encloses them in its body.
The rod bearings may occasionally wear out early due to design factors, such as manufacturers employing poor-quality rod bearings or few oil changes.
Some cars, such as the BMW M5 E60 and the E92 M3, are infamous for having this problem. And all of this after only a few miles.
It’s crucial to detect rod bearing deterioration while the bearings are still in good shape. They become unbalanced as they wear more.
Most frequently resulting in engine failure. Furthermore, this is not what you want. So be on the lookout for copper metal shavings in oil.
#3. Damaged Piston Rings.
Wear-and-tear on the piston rings is the second cause of metal shavings in oil. These piston rings, after all, frequently fail in higher-mileage engines.
This indicates that you are losing compression, which is not desirable. Therefore, be wary of these larger pieces that can resemble a ring-shaped component.
As we previously said, you will lose performance as well as compression when this occurs. Therefore, these things are related. Keep an eye out for metal shavings in oil.
#4. Damage to the Engine.
Engine damage is the third most frequent cause of metal shavings in oil. As we all know, an engine can occasionally sustain internal damage, such as a broken piston or other damage that leads to further wear and tear.
This is the most noteworthy instance of running for its money engines and overheated engines. I refer to being pushed a lot by this. Some engines desire to be treated gently and don’t want that to happen.
As a result, it regularly occurs that some engines experience increased internal wear and tear as well as metal shavings.
The final likely explanation for metal shavings in oil is this. Let’s now analyze the potential issues that these shavings in your engine could lead to.
What To Do If you Find Oil Shavings in Your Engine Oil?
If you find metal in your oil, all is not lost. Here are some ideas you can try that will help you determine what your next step should be.
#1. Compression or Leak Down Test.
A compression test and leak down test are both good tests to assess the general health of your engine. An engine must make compression to make power, and a compression test measures how much compression each individual cylinder is generating.
A leak down test helps you figure out where you’re losing compression, and is particularly useful if you’re losing compression in one cylinder and need to figure out why. You can do this test with fairly minimal effort, using only a leak down tester and an air compressor.
#2. Used Oil Analysis.
There are several companies that provide used oil analysis services. Among them are Blackstone Labs, NAPA, and Titan Laboratories.
A used oil analysis can help you determine the health of your engine over time. If you submit a new oil sample after each oil change, the oil analysis company can track the wear in the engine.
For instance, if they see copper levels increase over time, your rod bearings may be wearing more than usual.
If you’re going to send oil in for a used oil analysis, make sure you only collect oil coming out of the vehicle. Drain pans that have been used on other vehicles are very dirty. More than likely, they contain contaminants that will skew the results of your analysis.
Will an Oil Filter Catch Metal Shavings?
An oil filter will usually pick up most of the large metal shavings that are floating around in an engine. Even an oil filter can’t catch all of the metal particles that are too small for it to pick them up.
The tiny particles keep going through an engine’s bearings, acting as an abrasive of some kind as they do so. Even if an engine’s oil isn’t changed as often as it should be, this can speed up bearing wear even more over time.
People who aren’t sure about the health of an engine can also look at a used oil filter. In these cases, many mechanics cut away the canister part of an oil filter, so they can see the paper element inside.
This part can then be checked for metal fragments and shavings, which can give a sense of how well an engine’s bearings and wear surfaces are doing.
How Can Metal Shavings In Oil Be Fixed?
What is the solution to metal shavings in oil then? The easiest thing for you to do on your own is to clean the oil pan and flush the oil.
The state of your engine can be learned a lot from the oil pan. Many hints regarding what might be wrong with the engine can be found there.
If you have more experience, you can also take the rod bearings off to inspect them. If the rod bearings are worn out, it might be wise to perform a light refresh.
Oil is being drained from a car into a drip pan by Myke Waddy. The most straightforward task is to change the motor oil, which you must do.
Check the date of your previous oil change to see if you’re overdue. If so, find out from your mechanic what else has to be done given how long the last oil change took.
There, you will also be able to inspect the crankshaft’s condition and check for any damage. If there is, polishing the crankshaft is necessary to restore it to factory specifications.
These are the general options you have in this situation. Or, if you have enough experience, you may simply remove the engine and rebuild it.
But this isn’t a job that’s good for beginners. Even skilled mechanics lack the knowledge necessary to properly rebuild engines. This is why taking your automobile to a shop is the best course of action if you notice metal shavings in oil.
One of the following options is available if you determine that your car’s oil includes metal shavings:
#1. Change the Oil.
You need to change the motor oil, which is the easiest task to complete. You might be past due for an oil change, so check when you last changed it. If so, ask your mechanic what further has to be done in light of the previous oil change’s delay.
Even if you don’t make all the suggested modifications, switching to a different oil, for now, can be a workaround while you investigate the issue that is resulting in metal shavings in your oil.
#2. Replace the Oil Filter.
The oil filter may need to be changed every time an untrained mechanic does an oil change. This is a serious error. It might result in a variety of issues that could clog the filter and have an impact on how well your car performs.
Verify whether the oil filter was recently changed by your professional to address any concerns with metal shavings in your oil. If that wasn’t changed, now is an excellent time to do so and make sure your car is operating properly.
#3. Examine and Repair the Engine.
Last but not least, there may be instances where your engine has major internal issues that cause ongoing metal chipping from the various internal components.
In that scenario, your mechanic must do a thorough examination and determine the cause of the issues your engine is having.
Your technician will have a list of suggestions for what needs to be done following the inspection when it is finished.
For instance, he might advise having your engine’s specific parts replaced. However, in extremely critical situations, the mechanic might advise spending thousands of dollars on repairs to replace the complete engine.
Normally, we advise you to conduct a thorough analysis to decide whether it would be better to sell the car than to fix it.
For instance, now is the ideal time to sell your car and purchase a better one if you can establish that repair costs are approaching 75% or more of the value of your vehicle.
However, you advise carrying them out if your payroll expenses are low. As a result, your car doesn’t complain about any other problems that could increase your expenses.
Preventing Metal Shavings in Engine Oil
- Regular maintenance checks and servicing can prevent problems in your vehicle or detect them early.
- Checking and replacing the oil, oil filter, and oil pan is an essential part of regular car maintenance to prevent engine damage.
- Metal debris from engine wear can chip off and find its way into the oil, causing damage to the engine surfaces.
- The oil filter is responsible for catching metal flakes, but it cannot catch them all.
- Bi-metal or tri-metal bearings that have low-friction surfaces can cause metal shavings if they fail.
- Metal shavings can cause reduced engine power, ticking noises, rough idles, engine knocking, and white exhaust fumes.
- Metal shavings in oil can cause damage to engine components if left unattended, resulting in premature engine failure.
- Restricted oil passages due to metal shavings or flakes can lead to engine failure.
- Regularly replacing the oil and oil filter can help prevent metal flakes in oil from causing issues in the engine.
- Familiarizing yourself with how your car handles can help you notice when something might be off, and taking your car to a repair shop immediately upon noticing any issues can prevent further damage.
Cost To Fix Metal Shavings In Oil?
Now let’s discuss more about the cost involved in fixing this problem with metal shavings in oil. And this greatly depends on how big the extent of the engine really is.
Meaning that the bigger the damage inside of the engine. The bigger the bill for repair is going to be.
If you only need new rod bearings, you might expect to get the cheapest deal. This will cost you between $1,200 to 1,600.
Everything else will require complete disassembling of the engine and machine work. And this could be costly. You might even end up paying from $2,500 up to $5,000 for this. And when the repair bill is that high. Your best bet would be to just get a used engine.
Replace your engine with a used engine for $3,000 and you will be good to go. Normally, not every engine is cheap. So, you need to be aware of the costs involved in purchasing and also installing a used engine.
These costs could climb up to $4,000+. But in my opinion, a used engine with low miles is a much better alternative than rebuilding a high mile engine. That’s my take on this problem. Now, let’s conclude the article.
FAQs.
Q: What do shiny metallic particles in the engine oil indicate?
Shiny metallic particles in the engine oil are aluminum shavings, molybdenum, or chromium shavings. If it is aluminum shavings, it shows wear on the engine surface. It could also be worn or wear overhead camshaft bearings or aluminum caps.
In contrast, if it is a molybdenum or chromium shavings, which looks similar to aluminum, it is likely an indication of broken piston rings or worn pistons.
Q: Is it normal to have metallic shavings in oil after the rebuild?
It is normal to have metallic shavings in engine oil after rebuild. That is why mechanics recommend doing oil and oil filter changes after one or two weeks of engine rebuild.
In any case, if you consistently notice metal shavings after doing the first oil change, you have a problem that needs your mechanic’s attention.
Before panicking, I recommend you do another change of oil and filter. This time, add oil treatment. If the shavings persist, do not hesitate to consult your mechanic.
Q: Are metal shavings in oil bad?
Metal shavings could be normal or abnormal. So, how much metal in oil is too much? Any metallic particle that can be seen with open eyes is bad and a threat to the internal engine components.
It indicates accelerated engine wear, and if not fixed on time, it will cause severe damage, leading to expensive repair or entire engine replacement.
Q: Is it normal to see small metal shavings in oil?
As several internal engine components reciprocate, over time, they chip off tiny microscopic metallic particles. However, these particles are not seen without a microscope. It is never normal to see metal shavings in engine oil.
However, metal shavings in the oil after engine rebuild are normal. It is pretty normal to see metal shavings before the first oil change when you rebuild your engine.
But if the shavings persist after the first oil change, it should be of great concern and needs professional attention.
Final word
Do not overlook metal shavings in oil because it is a pointer of other problems on the internal engine components that will escalate to catastrophic damages if not handled properly and timely.
Regardless of the guidelines and information on how to fix metal shavings yourself, I recommend consulting your mechanic if you’re not a patrolled or DIY enthusiast because of the consequences involved.
Failure to do this may lead to regret when the consequences arise. In any case, you have a role to play – preventive measures.
Always carry out a regularly scheduled oil change, tune-up, and other maintenance services to avoid engine sludge formation and oil contamination.