Metal shavings in oil surely creates a lot of concern for any car owner. If you see metal shavings in oil while you are doing regular maintenance, do not delay in taking the next step.
I look at the implications of oil contamination and what you’ll need to do going forward to make sure your vehicle continues to perform as designed.
What Causes Metal Shavings in Oil?
Copper metal flakes in motor oil usually come from bad rod bearings or main bearings. If aluminum or metal flakes are present, they may come from pistons, a faulty pump, or worn camshafts.
Motor oil is the single most important thing needed for proper engine lubrication and to keep the parts working as they should. Without lubrication, metal would grind against metal, shortening the life of the motor.
Sometimes, the pistons moving at high speed and low lubrication will cause some metal debris to break off. In some cases this is not a big deal, as the shards of metal, etc., were caught in the filter and removed when the mechanic changed the oil.
However, if a lot of metal flakes are being introduced, the metal parts inside are starting to break down.
Different Metal Shavings Types
#1. Iron Shavings.
If you discern iron shavings in the oil, this indicates a potential issue with one of the rotating components inside your engine.
For instance, both the camshaft and crankshaft are made of iron; thus, even under normal circumstances, it is never out of the question to be contacting iron shavings in oil.
The valve train can also be comprised of a variety of parts made of iron. Either way, you’re looking at a significant repair that should not be left to get worse.
#2. Brass, Bronze, or Copper Shavings.
Brass, bronze, and copper are distinctively colored and will appear different than the other materials. If you find shavings of this color, you’re likely facing an issue with a bushing that has worn out.
You could also have an issue with an internal bearing that has failed. While these components are relatively small, both create serious challenges for your engine when they are no longer functioning.
#3. Chromium or Molybdenum Shavings.
This color will appear silvery gray, and could even appear similarly to aluminum. This is ultimately indicative, however, of what the pistons are made from, chromium and molybdenum.
If you are seeing these shavings in the oil, you can likely guess that the pistons wore out; you could also be dealing with a broken piston ring.
#4. Aluminum Shavings.
Aluminum shavings usually occur due to wear on the surface of the engine. There are also a number of other worn components that could produce aluminum shavings.
Either way, you might be working with the overhead camshaft bearings, or possibly the aluminum caps.
What Problems Are Caused by Metal Shavings in Oil?
#1. Rough Idle.
Everything should be fine when your engine is idling. If you were to notice vibration or shaking when the engine is idling, it might mean there are metal shavings in the oil.
Once the engine parts don’t get enough lubrication, the remains of the metal rubbing together, for example, begins to wear off. Over time, chunks of metal are loosened and find their way into the engine oil, and the rough idle is just a sign of the engine not functioning properly.
#2. Engine Noises.
If your engine is not receiving enough lubrication, you are probably going to hear some strange noises. Oil isn’t moving freely, you may notice some ticking noises.
These sounds could be there all the time, or you may only hear them when you first start the car.
#3. Engine Knock.
Engine knock is a common indicator of engine failure that usually occurs when oil and filter maintenance is neglected.
The longer you stay in a contaminated environment, the more you stress the internal components. Always heed engine knock as a warning sign, because if you don’t, the engine, and you, will have to experience rental car service.
#4. Poor Acceleration.
A poor performance means there’s something wrong with the engine. If you’re pushing down the gas pedal and getting no response, you really have to think about it.
When you increase the engine’s power, it means that the motor’s performance capabilities are decreased. It may be working harder to do so because the oil is contaminated.
#5. Dashboard Warning Lights.
You may also notice the Check Engine Light is illuminated, or you might see the oil pressure warning indicator illuminated in your dashboard. In some vehicles, there will be a Service Engine Soon light which may come on in addition to the Oil Change Reminder light.
Furthermore, there are some alerts in which the vehicle may be experiencing reduced power. Regardless, whenever you see an indicator, be advised that this is information telling you to have the vehicle inspected immediately.
How to Fix Your Car When You Find Metal Shavings in Oil
If you find metal shavings in the motor oil, and there are very few, you often do not have a problem, wear over time. If you find metal shavings and there are many of them, and, on top of that, you find them shortly after changing the oil, you may have a problem.
You may wish that fixing any engine problems would be easy and inexpensive, but that is rarely the case. The longer you let anything go, the more expensive it may get. What may have simply been an oil change could turn into a complete engine replacement.
You should take your car to the mechanic for completion of a thorough inspection of your engine. They will be able to tell you what type of damage happened and if it can be repaired. In some cases, a part can be replaced. Other times, a rebuilt engine would work out better.
Rebuilding your engine can be costly, expect to spend at least $2000, but that depends on what kind of vehicle you drive. However, with a rebuilt engine, you will likely have several new parts with the motor. After you commit to rebuilding a motor, the following will happen:
- Engine covers, hardware and valves are taken off.
- Pistons and rings are pushed out and fixed to good condition.
- Install new gaskets and seals.
- When you’re at it, you can also address any other issues.
If you are driving a small compact car, getting the engine rebuilt should not take too long. But, if you have a pickup truck or SUV with a large V8 engine, it will take time.
Even so, if you keep up with engine maintenance and oil changes, you will never be concerned about metal shavings in the motor.