Oily problem

[NDG]

Just changed the oil on the Yanmar 2GM on our boat, and gave the sump a good emptying with one of those manual pump thingys. Looking at the ejected oil, there is a small amount of metal shavings gathered at the bottom of the container - not much, just enough to cover the tip of a finger or two. They are not v large, more like grains of sugar although a couple are approaching grain of rice - size.

The engine has done about 1000 hrs, and has been serviced regularly. It runs very well. The question is - is this likely to be an indication of an impending problem, or is it usual for an engine of modest age? It occurs to me that it is possible that they have been sitting there ever since the engine was manufactured - I gave the sump an extra good seeing to this time around.

If it is a problem, break it to me gently.........

Am I being paranoid?



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[extravert]

I have seen these before in a new engine, although not a marine one. A motorcycle of mine had these metal bits which had collected on the magnetic sump plug, a small magnet glued to the bolt specially for this purpose. I was suprised at what came out but was told that it was normal in a recent engine and nothing to worry about. Hopefully it's the same for your engine.

The motorcycle engine was still running fine when I sold it many years later after 60,000 miles, a lot of miles for a bike.

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[oldsaltoz]

G'day Nick,

I think I would be taking a sample of the oil from your next oil change to be analysed: they will tell you what it contains and if you need to worry based on engine type and hours used.

Hope this helps

Andavagoodweekend. Old Salt Oz /forums/images/icons/cool.gif

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[oldharry]

I tend to agree with the others - it is quite normal to find metal shavings - known as swarf - in the sump particularly if the engine has been re-machined recently. Its quite likely these have been there since new. Generally speaking, if something is graunching at the inside of the engine enough to be cutting out metal you will have heard it. I think it more than likely that the pump you used picked up material that has been there from new. However, at the next oil changea sample sent off for analaysis will give you an indication if something is badly amiss.



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[oldharry]

I tend to agree with the others - it is quite normal to find metal shavings - known as swarf - in the sump particularly if the engine has been re-machined recently. Its quite likely these have been there since new. Generally speaking, if something is graunching at the inside of the engine enough to be cutting out metal you will have heard it. I think it more than likely that the pump you used picked up material that has been there from new. However, at the next oil changea sample sent off for analysis will give you an indication if something is badly amiss.



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[sjohn_gibson]

In aircraft engine oil systems we fit magnets in the oil ways and then monitor what they collect.
On the first inspection of new or rebuilt engines, the magnets resemble fir trees but thereafter the debris reduces quickly to jsut a few bits of ferous metalic material - there is always some debris. Early failure of bearings is detected by monitoring the change in the amount of debris collected at each inspection. When the amount of debris starts to increase we increase the frequency of the inspections until (by experience and guidelines) the debris reaches a level that indicates incipent bearing failure. At that point the engine is changed. Hence, aircraft engine shut downs in flight are a rare event.

If you can gain access with a magnet you could just monitor the amount of debris at set periods (engine running hours).

Yours
John

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[upstream]

Agree with others, I would only worry if you can read the part numbers on the metalic bits.

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[colvic]

As you say, the engine runs well; the old adage re preventive maintenance could well apply here...if it's working leave it alone.

Phil

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[jcr]

Where do you send oil for analysis and how much does it cost?



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[NDG]

Thanks, everyone. There seems to be a consensus that I'm worrying too much, which is what I wanted to hear!!

Cheers.

Nick

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[Heckler]

sorry to be a killjoy

but, after nearly 40 yrs of repairing anything from a 2 hp yam to a 4000hp solar gas turbine i can say with some authority that if you have pieces of metal the size of a grain of rice in your sump oil, their is something definitely starting to break down, it is normal when draining oil with a magnet on the sump plug to see something akin to a firtree growing off the magnet but when you rub it between your fingers it disperses into almost a grey smuidge. this is because it is made up of very very small particles of metal, this is normal but if you have big chunks it is definitely not right.
look up oil analysis in google ie
Spectro Oil Analysis Co. Ltd. Analytical chemists. Telephone and fax. Tel: (01256)
704000. Fax: (01256) 704006. Address. Palace Gate High St Odiham Hants RG29 1NP. ...
www.kellysearch.com/company-82539142.html - 15k - Cached - Similar pages
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anmd get them to do an analysis of the used oil, they should be able to tell you what the bits are made of and consequently from where they come from and then decide what to do
stu


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