Aluminum flakes in oil. What's about to blow? - Page 5 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

babymog · #61 02-24-2010, 02:34 PM

The metal particles that you've found are described as flakes or slivers. Not normally what you'll find as wear particles, even abnormal wear.

Sounds more like the type of particles you'd get from more of a grinding/shearing, like a pin backing out in your timing chain and taking pieces from the inner ribs of the timing case, or how about a badly worn chain tensioner rail, ... aren't they aluminum under the plastic bearing surface?

And as far as changing to syn oil and wear patterns? The thickness of the oil changes drastically from cold to hot, new to old, etc. The wear patterns aren't brand or source-specific. Use good oil, regardless of what was used previously.

barry123400 · #62 02-24-2010, 08:30 PM

I like the posted ideal of trying to examine the chain slider to make sure the plastic coating has not wore through as well.

layback40 · #63 02-24-2010, 08:56 PM

It sounds like we have all put our 2c worth to you.

Best let you digest it all and do what you think best.

Many of us are interested to hear what you do & what you find.

Regardless of what you do, Good Luck, I hope it ends up being a storm in a teacup!

vstech · #64 02-24-2010, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vwnut84

Nope, I ran the car on the oil it had for about...200 miles tops, maybe less, I don't remember if I changed it on the lift at home or at work. The car was not completely dormant for those four years, it had been started and moved around the driveway when needed.

it's not the duration of use of old oil that is a potential problem, it's the FACT that used oil develops acids, and moisture exacerbates this. prior to storage of a vehicle, a good fresh oil change is needed, and starting and driving around a parking lot is not sufficient to curb damage. the motor needs to be driven for several minutes to boil off any moisture from the oil, and properly heat the motor each month or more.

vwnut84 · #65 02-25-2010, 12:46 PM

Thank you everyone for the replies and insight. I will keep this updated with what I find. I'm hoping the metal just goes away. I'll know soon enough.

StaggerLee · #66 02-25-2010, 01:20 PM

Could your method of opening up the filter have caused the metal flakes? Just a thought.

vwnut84 · #67 02-26-2010, 09:46 AM

I don't think so, as I cut the top portion of the pleated material out with a razor blade, no metal was involved.

I bought a new filter last night, and will be dissecting the old one tonight, i'll report back with findings. (fingers crossed)

vstech · #68 02-26-2010, 11:17 AM

get some good light, and take good pictures of anything you find in the filter.

a macro setting is invaluable.