Metal Non ferrous flakes in engine

[Mark89114]

Did my first oil change under supervision of mechanic on my Ovation.

Found 2 metal flakes, bronze/copper color with total surface area of about 1/8" x 1/8" and 2 metal hair thickness slivers, about 1/2" long also non metallic in the filter.  The engine only has about 400 SMOH and my mechanic is slightly concerned as he said it shouldn't be doing this at this low a time.  Oil analysis is being done and I guess we will do the filter.  Question is, is this something to keep me up a night or should I start my gofundme account now?  Plan is to wait for results of oil analysis and then change oil at 25 hours and look again.  Unless oil analysis results are terrible.  Current thinking is starter adapter??

 

Any feedback is appreciated.   

[Andy95W]

Probably nothing to worry about.

Check the oil filter 25 hours from now with your fingers crossed (for lack of anything better to do).

-If it gets better, don't worry about it.

-If it stays the same, keep an eye on it.

-If it gets worse, do something about it.

I know this doesn't really help, but without more information and a trend to follow, there's really not much more you can do.  Good Luck!

[PTK]

You can send the oil filter and metal pieces if you still have them to Aviation Laboratories for analysis utilizing scanning electron microscopy. You will know exactly where the metal is coming from. 504-469-6751.

[DXB]

Andy's advice is the only one I've ever heard-  The engine manufacturers have their own detailed published guidance on this, as I'm sure others will post.  

Given the amu's at stake, cutting my filter holds the suspense of a Hitchcock film for me. After seeing absolutely nothing initially, I cut out the filter element, agitate it in mineral spirits, an run through a shop towel.  Doing this buys me the privilege of perseverating over 5-10 miniscule nonferrous sliver flecks, a couple of which turn out to be carbon when they disintegrate between my fingers.  But  a couple of them may be real.  Then I get to wonder if they will multiply exponentially at the next oil change. 

Aircraft maintenance can drive you nuts.

[Andy95W]

10 minutes ago, PTK said:

You can send the oil filter and metal pieces if you still have them to Aviation Laboratories, 504-469-6751, for analysis utilizing scanning electron microscopy. You will know exactly where the metal is coming from.
 

Great advice, IMHO.  I didn't realize they did this level of analysis.

[M20F]

48 minutes ago, Mark89114 said:

Did my first oil change under supervision of mechanic on my Ovation.

Found 2 metal flakes, bronze/copper color with total surface area of about 1/8" x 1/8" and 2 metal hair thickness slivers, about 1/2" long also non metallic in the filter.  The engine only has about 400 SMOH and my mechanic is slightly concerned as he said it shouldn't be doing this at this low a time.  Oil analysis is being done and I guess we will do the filter.  Question is, is this something to keep me up a night or should I start my gofundme account now?  Plan is to wait for results of oil analysis and then change oil at 25 hours and look again.  Unless oil analysis results are terrible.  Current thinking is starter adapter??

 

Any feedback is appreciated.   

Brass/copper/bronze. Identified by distinctive yellow color. In TCM engines, the presence of long bronze slivers often indicates failure of the starter adapter spring. Smaller particles may come from worn bushings, or older aluminum/bronze valve guides.

Source

[jclemens]

A couple of flakes here and there is nothing to be concerned about.  That's the filters job, if there wasn't anything to filter out, there would be no need for a filter.  Keep changing the oil and cutting open the filter and monitor. 

[Guest]

I would not panic or worry, do the next oil change around thirty hours.  You may consider draining the oil sump through a paint filter, then wash the filter media in a clean container of varsol or mineral spirits, then filter that through a coffee filter.  If the quantity does not change or worsen keep flying and continue to monitor.

I've seen engine shed some particles for a few oil changes then new do it again.

Clarence

[StevenL757]

12 hours ago, Mark89114 said:

Did my first oil change under supervision of mechanic on my Ovation.

Found 2 metal flakes, bronze/copper color with total surface area of about 1/8" x 1/8" and 2 metal hair thickness slivers, about 1/2" long also non metallic in the filter.  The engine only has about 400 SMOH and my mechanic is slightly concerned as he said it shouldn't be doing this at this low a time.  Oil analysis is being done and I guess we will do the filter.  Question is, is this something to keep me up a night or should I start my gofundme account now?  Plan is to wait for results of oil analysis and then change oil at 25 hours and look again.  Unless oil analysis results are terrible.  Current thinking is starter adapter??

 

Any feedback is appreciated.   

Mark, good advice all around really.  Use Aviation Labs for analysis and change oil every 25 hours.  Buy a box of their oil analysis kits and keep with your stash of oil and filters.  I strongly suggest spending a little extra per case more than "most" other oils, and changing to Exxon Elite 20W50 if you haven't done so.  Keep cutting the filter every 25 hours.  You're right to seem concerned about the presence of anything in the filter, but as already stated, that's it's job.  See what the analysis tells you in the next 25 hours, post your results, and let's take it from there.  Ping me if you want to chat further.

Steve

[Mark89114]

I will keep everybody in the loop on results.  Hopefully it is nothing.  If not I will apply for some Obama funds.....Sorry for the sarcasm, I can't help it.   

I am having the filter analyzed as well. 

[irishpilot]

I am curious as to what you find. I am going through the same thing. I am also waiting for my oil analysis.

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[Mark89114]

I will provide what I know.....which isn't much.

The oil analysis came back "clean", nothing came back as elevated, the trends from previous analysis were all in line.  They couldn't identify the flake, they hypothesized (guessed) it was varnish.  Plan is to fly another 25 hours and change the oil/filter again.

Will let everybody know after next oil change.

I am still willing to start a gofundme account for other big ticket items.  Please let me know how you want to pay.

Thanks,
Mark 

[jetdriven]

Also the alternator drive gear and alternator front bearing can go bad.  Beechtalk bonanza guys put those and inspect every 500hr. Don't forget u can pull and inspect all the lifters on that engine, and if necessary replace a few and save the cam. 

[irishpilot]

So I just am finishing up an engine top end overhaul and the oil analysis plays a big part in letting you know exactly what is going on. Test the oil every time you change your oil. Don't get lazy with this one. The oil can alert you to an impending component failure long before you experience it inflight. Also, it serves as a trend item and will help you show a prospective buyer the health of the engine. I'm about to start flying my plane again and you can bet oil analysis will be done every oil change.

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[Andy95W]

What did your oil analysis show that convinced you that you needed the top overhaul, or was it a combination of factors?