Very Small Metal Flakes in Oil

[Denio24]

This is not the first time that it has happened; I'm seeing very tiny metal flakes when removing the oil filter during oil changes, and tiny metallic particles in the oil when draining. As I spread the pleats on the oil filter, I see flakes of almost bronze/silver metal. I'm starting to thing this is the rod & main bearings breaking down. As far as driving style I generally stay at 3k rpm when driving and sometimes give it some gas. I'm very curious if anyone else is seeing this during their oil changes. For now I don't hear any weird grinding noises in the engine and it sounds generally healthy.

I'm wondering what the quickest procedure is to drop the oil pan and R&R the rod bearings while the engine is in the car, until I have time to pull the engine and check out the mains.

A list of things I have already purchased, rod bolts, rod bearings, high temp sealant. Is there anything else I need? I've done 1.8t engines and not sure if the 2.0t come with thrust washers or not.

[LINDW4LL]

I'd suggest sending an oil sample to Blackstone Labs. They will analyze and should be able to tell you which metals are present, where they may be from, and how bad it is.

[aluthman]

If there is bronze/brass looking flakes, that is likely from the turbo journal bearing. The 2.0 uses 2 half circle thrust bearings. One on each side of the #3 main bearing on the block side. If you're going through all the trouble of doing rod bearings, I would also add main bearings, thrust bearings, main bolts, and front and rear main seals to your list.

[Denio24]

If there is bronze/brass looking flakes, that is likely from the turbo journal bearing. The 2.0 uses 2 half circle thrust bearings. One on each side of the #3 main bearing on the block side. If you're going through all the trouble of doing rod bearings, I would also add main bearings, thrust bearings, main bolts, and front and rear main seals to your list.

Ah, so the thrust bearing setup is just like the 1.8t then no? In that case I'll have to start thinking about pulling my engine again to measure things up; but first things first, It wouldn't hurt for a little k03 rebuild. Definitely easier than an engine pull. Do you happen to know the torque spec for the compressor nut on the reverse thread k03?

[aluthman]

I marked that nut with a scribe when I rebuilt my K0R. When I reassembled I turned until it was snug by hand and then wrench tightened until the marks lined up. It's gone about 6k miles since then and hasn't fallen apart, so I guess it's good.

[Denio24]

What kind of bearings do our engines run out of the factory? I also read somewhere that the gold glitter could also be balance shafts?

[aluthman]

What kind of bearings do our engines run out of the factory? I also read somewhere that the gold glitter could also be balance shafts?

Unless there is a press fit bearing in the balance shaft casting, I doubt it. Pretty sure the steel shaft rides on aluminum bearings just like the cams do in the head.

[Denio24]

Just got my analysis on rotella t6 5w40 on 5k miles.



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[Okedokey]

A quick assessment tells me everything is within range?

[Denio24]

Quick question. Is a small whine from the turbo a normal thing?

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[Okedokey]

Id say no, bearings or play possible.

[aluthman]

Quick question. Is a small whine from the turbo a normal thing?

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Whistle yes, whine no. You probably have a bearing on it's way out.

[Denio24]

Whistle yes, whine no. You probably have a bearing on it's way out.

Any reputable turbo kits out there?

[aluthman]

Rebuild kits? Or new turbos?

[Denio24]

Rebuild kits? Or new turbos?

rebuild kits.

[drewgold]

Just a few weeks ago I noticed metal flakes in my oil as well. Same thing, most noticeably stuck in the filter and housing.



I had a serious cam follower failure about 15k kms ago (follower and HPFP head were completely gone) and had attributed the metal to being left behind from the failure however the flakes didn't seem to be metallic which makes me think that it was not debris from the follower or HPFP.

My entire head was replaced on warranty but the dealer refused to replace or even check the block/crankshaft/oil pump. I suspect that there was bearing damage from the debris, either to the crankshaft bearings or turbo or both. I have an appointment for the dealer to take a look as my new cam follower shows fairly significant wear already and I feel like they didn't adequately flush debris or assess the extent of the damage caused by the cam follower failure. Not holding my breath that they'll do any more work under warranty but you never know...

Subscribed, curious to hear if you figure out what's causing the flakes. As in your case, my engine runs well, sounds fine, doesn't have any irregular behavior. My oil pressure also seems to be within spec. Only thing out of the ordinary is a fairly noticeable hiccup at idle once in a while which I wonder if it could be a bearing catching or rubbing when the oil pressure is lower? Just a theory.