Originally Posted by R-3350

its not about just being wear metal in the oil its a specific alloy similar to babbitt metal. that combined with a specific particle size and geometry causes it to fuse to nucleation sites in the cylinder walls as the rings drag it past. it acts to fill in crevices while also acting as a bearing surface due to the oleophilic nature of the alloy. it basically fills in any surface features in any mechanically active areas with babbitt metal. you should be able to see some traces of it on the cam, followers, cylinder walls, and valve stems/guides. you would likely need a microscope to see it but anywhere theres mechanical friction it should deposit in crevices. that is why it kills powerstroke diesels they use a HEUI system which would cause it to foul the bores of the HPOP and the oil side of the unit injectors.