Couple of things that may be that color I can think of is a piston pin bushing or a timing chain guide. Synthetic oils can leave a light varnish color build up on parts that I would assume can flake off the moving parts. I've seen videos of the build up but haven't experienced it myself as I don't use synthetic oil. You could always send a sample for evaluation.
Gold Dust in Catch Can
So, I have no idea what's going on with my engine...
I have an 06 GT with 96k miles. I'm the second owner and the previous owner took amazing care of this thing. While it has been in my possession I have changed the oil every 2 or 3 thousand miles with amsoil signature series 5W-20. The car doesn't make any weird noises, no taps, ticks or knocks. I've even taken my stethoscope and placed it all around the engine and everything sounds normal.
I've had a JLT catch can for almost 2 years and ever since I put it on, I've always had a decent amount of very tiny metal particles at the bottom every time I empty it. I never really looked too closely at it so I'm not sure what color they were up until recently. I emptied it yesterday and found the same very fine metal dust, except I noticed the color and it's a glittery gold.
I drained my oil which has about 3k miles on it and was due anyways and it looks a little glittery too, though I've never closely inspected used oil with a flashlight this obsessively before.
I also replaced the camshafts, roller followers and hydraulic lash adjusters earlier this year.
My question is where could something that gold color be coming from on this engine? As far as I know, main bearings, rod bearings, cam journal bearings and thrust bearings are all aluminum. They aren't a tri-metal bearing with a copper layer under the babbitt material right? I just don't understand where it could be coming from since that's the case. Is that the color of a component failing in the oil pump? Will a failing cam phaser result in flakes of that color and consistency? Are there any copper or similarly colored materials in any gaskets around the engine that may be degrading? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I have an 06 GT with 96k miles. I'm the second owner and the previous owner took amazing care of this thing. While it has been in my possession I have changed the oil every 2 or 3 thousand miles with amsoil signature series 5W-20. The car doesn't make any weird noises, no taps, ticks or knocks. I've even taken my stethoscope and placed it all around the engine and everything sounds normal.
I've had a JLT catch can for almost 2 years and ever since I put it on, I've always had a decent amount of very tiny metal particles at the bottom every time I empty it. I never really looked too closely at it so I'm not sure what color they were up until recently. I emptied it yesterday and found the same very fine metal dust, except I noticed the color and it's a glittery gold.
I drained my oil which has about 3k miles on it and was due anyways and it looks a little glittery too, though I've never closely inspected used oil with a flashlight this obsessively before.
I also replaced the camshafts, roller followers and hydraulic lash adjusters earlier this year.
My question is where could something that gold color be coming from on this engine? As far as I know, main bearings, rod bearings, cam journal bearings and thrust bearings are all aluminum. They aren't a tri-metal bearing with a copper layer under the babbitt material right? I just don't understand where it could be coming from since that's the case. Is that the color of a component failing in the oil pump? Will a failing cam phaser result in flakes of that color and consistency? Are there any copper or similarly colored materials in any gaskets around the engine that may be degrading? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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Ah I forgot about the bushings for the wrist pins. That'd be super weird though since I've never heard of the wrist pins failing in these engines. Especially at this low of miles and no boost but I guess it's possible. Wouldn't there also be some knocking or tapping going on if that were the case? I've also seen the flakes for a couple years and about 10k miles. I'd think if it was something serious it would have presented other symptoms by now. Maybe not 🤷♂️Couple of things that may be that color I can think of is a piston pin bushing or a timing chain guide. Synthetic oils can leave a light varnish color build up on parts that I would assume can flake off the moving parts. I've seen videos of the build up but haven't experienced it myself as I don't use synthetic oil. You could always send a sample for evaluation.
Aren't the timing chain guides plastic? Maybe they're worn through and rubbing against whatever material is under the plastic surface the chain rides on.
I see what you mean about the varnish. When I had my valve covers off earlier this year all the aluminum is tinged gold, which I'd assume is from the oil. Could be just that flaking off too I guess.
I have a blackstone kit coming in the mail so I can test the oil. I saved a bit from when I changed it so I'll send that and see what they think.
The oil analysis should reveal all.
There IS copper in the rod/main bearings and they could be the source. The timing chain guides are plastic with a metal (I think aluminum) back plate and you'd hear a chain rattle if the plastic was completely worn away.
There IS copper in the rod/main bearings and they could be the source. The timing chain guides are plastic with a metal (I think aluminum) back plate and you'd hear a chain rattle if the plastic was completely worn away.
I did some Google searches and found a guy on an FJ Toyota forum with your same issue. His oil test came back fine. He said it turned out to be the oil filter breaking down its inside components. After he changed brands he had no more issues. What type of oil and air filters are you using?
I've had a JLT catch can on for about 7 or 8 years and have never noticed any metalic flake in can. Does it feel gritty? Just a heads up, if you live in a region that experiences cool/cold weather, you're likely to find condensation mixed the oil in the catch can (looks like a choco milk shake). This is normal.
Yeah it definitely isn't normal, but I just don't understand what it could be coming from. Plus its been going on for years. It isn't gritty at all, feels like clean oil. The flakes are so small, like that super fine glitter you can buy at a craft store.I've had a JLT catch can on for about 7 or 8 years and have never noticed any metalic flake in can. Does it feel gritty? Just a heads up, if you live in a region that experiences cool/cold weather, you're likely to find condensation mixed the oil in the catch can (looks like a choco milk shake). This is normal.
Hmmm...cut your oil filter open after your next oil change and see if the media catches anything. Since its in the catch can, I'd imagine it has to be in the filter and even in the oil. Catch some of the oil in a clean container when you first pull the drain plug and see if any of it is visible. Maybe post some pics of what you're getting the catch can too. Another thought, I've never used Amsoil, wonder if it could be part of their "additive" package since you say its not gritty.
I doubt it's a rod bushing or a chain guide wearing through it's plastic if it's be there for years. Perhaps the additive package (blend) in the oil? However if your sending in an oil sample there's no sense trying a different oil until the results come back.
That's a good point. I'll see what the inside of the filter looks like next change. I'll have to pick up one of those filter cutter opener thingsHmmm...cut your oil filter open after your next oil change and see if the media catches anything. Since its in the catch can, I'd imagine it has to be in the filter and even in the oil. Catch some of the oil in a clean container when you first pull the drain plug and see if any of it is visible. Maybe post some pics of what you're getting the catch can too. Another thought, I've never used Amsoil, wonder if it could be part of their "additive" package since you say its not gritty.
Here's a picture of the bottom of the catch can before I cleaned it out
I've been using Amsoil oil filters. I used a motorcraft one this time though, I'll see if that changes anythingI did some Google searches and found a guy on an FJ Toyota forum with your same issue. His oil test came back fine. He said it turned out to be the oil filter breaking down its inside components. After he changed brands he had no more issues. What type of oil and air filters are you using?
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At the risk of sounding like Captain Obvious here, (and not trying to mock anyone!) ... oil is golden (or black or brown). If you look at silver metal shavings through a little bit of oil, they always look gold. =)That's a good point. I'll see what the inside of the filter looks like next change. I'll have to pick up one of those filter cutter opener things
Here's a picture of the bottom of the catch can before I cleaned it out
I've been using Amsoil oil filters. I used a motorcraft one this time though, I'll see if that changes anything
Not that you'd want to, but if you cleaned those off with brake cleaner and made a big mess, I bet you'd find that they're all either aluminum or steel. A magnet will help you determine which.
Hopefully, this is just normal wear, and not a part having a problem. Drive any engine long enough, and there will be at least some dust in the places that collect it.
Best wishes!
Order a free oli sample collection kit from Blackstone Laboratories and send it off for analysis. Its $30 for the analysis and the report will identify likely sources for abnormal readings.
I wish Blackstone Laboratories, was a site sponsor or vendor. They would be one of the many that benefit members.
I wish Blackstone Laboratories, was a site sponsor or vendor. They would be one of the many that benefit members.
sometimes we do overlook the obvious, and Captain Obvious has to step in and show us the light, LOLAt the risk of sounding like Captain Obvious here, (and not trying to mock anyone!) ... oil is golden (or black or brown). If you look at silver metal shavings through a little bit of oil, they always look gold. =)
For what it's worth, the only 'yellow' metal I can think of in the engine would be your bearing's inside surfaces. If that's really the case, you might want to check it out!
FWIW, I closely checked the residue in the bottom of the catch can in broad daylight, and yep there was some shimmering golden/bronze micro sized fleks in the bottom. Not sure if it was suspended in the oil or if it settled out cause I couldn't see it until I poured it out. I'll collect some in a clear container and see it settles out next time.
Hey everybody. I know it's been awhile, but I figured I'd provide an update. I ended up doing the Blackstone oil analysis. They said there's very little wear material in the oil and is one of the healthiest 3 valve engines they've ever seen. So I am truly stumped now on what this could be. Maybe something cam phaser related? I do notice it is making a slight knock from the passenger side of the engine. Can't really pinpoint where. I guess I'll have to tear into it this summer. Good to know it's nothing serious, but it's also frustrating because of the unknown.
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