Fuzz - first oil change after top-end

[Solamar]

In a surprisingly fast and exceptionally fun period of time I've clocked my first 1,000 miles after top end and new piston rings (1985 3.2l).

Time to swap oil, filters and adjust valves.

Dropped the oil yesterday after a short warm-up. Oil was still golden colored.

The magnetic drain on the oil tank looked great, a very small bit of magnetic sludge.



The drain plug on the crankcase had a bit of "fuzz". I would have loved to see no fuzz, but I don't think this amount is cause for concern.



My question is what would this fuzz be? Ring material from the rings bedding in? Not much else of the new parts are magnetic...

After I adjust the valves and warm it up I'll run a leak-down for reference.

[Ian Comerford]

The fuzz as you describe it often looks worse than it really is. For me the best thing is to get a piece of tissue paper and use it to wipe the fuzz off the magnet. Then squeeze it between your fingers. If nothing is wrong you won’t actually feel pieces of metal as they are so tiny in reality. The magnet causes a build up of the fuzz to sizes often out of proportion to the actual size of individual oieces of fuzz......if that makes sense?

[proporsche]

solo..it looks all good;-)

Ivan

[Solamar]

Originally Posted by Ian Comerford

The fuzz as you describe it often looks worse than it really is. For me the best thing is to get a piece of tissue paper and use it to wipe the fuzz off the magnet. Then squeeze it between your fingers. If nothing is wrong you won’t actually feel pieces of metal as they are so tiny in reality. The magnet causes a build up of the fuzz to sizes often out of proportion to the actual size of individual oieces of fuzz......if that makes sense?

I ran out of time yesterday and didnt clean the plug.

I just did as you suggested. What looked to me like shards of metal was just magnetic dust aligned with the magnetic field. Wiped it all off on a paper towel and it was no coarser than talcum powder in oil.

That makes me feel much better

[Solamar]

Originally Posted by proporsche

solo..it looks all good;-)

Ivan

Looks like it will be raining here in San Diego all week, perfect break to adjust the valves and hopefully put on some new M&K exhaust goodies Santa might bring me.

Itching to get back on those mountain twisties

[faapgar]

Lord of the Rings fuzz.Did you use non - detergent oil?If you did it is normal.If you did not and used a multi - weight with additive package you have a problem.Ciao

[Solamar]

Originally Posted by faapgar

Lord of the Rings fuzz.Did you use non - detergent oil?If you did it is normal.If you did not and used a multi - weight with additive package you have a problem.Ciao

Shell Rottela 15w40

[RSTarga]

That looks normal, does anyone still make non detergent oil? Why?

[faapgar]

After 2500 911 motors you get a feeling.New rings do not do well with modern oil.Turbo motors fare because of boost which forces the 2 top rings out to seat.Good luck with your build.

[Trackrash]

Originally Posted by faapgar

After 2500 911 motors you get a feeling.New rings do not do well with modern oil.Turbo motors fare because of boost which forces the 2 top rings out to seat.Good luck with your build.

If you mean synthetic, I agree.

[Solamar]

Figured it wouldnt hurt to cut the filter open -





I took about 1/3 of the pleats and washed them in mineral spirits, then poured the solution through a paper towel -



This engine was absolutely filthy inside and out when I bought it. I'm guessing the black particles are carbon residue and sludge from the crankcase (I did not open up the case). Couple yellow metal particles, maybe from the new bronze valve guides? Few bits of gray, probably Threebond. (pencil just for scale)

I ran a small neodymium magnet over the remnants and a small bit of particles jumped to the magnet, ring material?

Given the small quantity and size of material, I don't see anything that concerns me. But I am certainly lacking the experience to make that call.

[faapgar]

Probably just rings.Looks pretty clean.

[famoroso]

Did you have a shop do the top end?

[GH85Carrera]

After my total rebuild, I had similar crud in the oil and the filter after the fist oil change. I suspect once the case halves go in the parts washers, and all the parts go through cleaning, it is basically impossible to get it surgically clean at any reasonable cost. And there is always going to be wear on new parts.

After the first 5,000 miles the oil was very clean. Almost nothing in the filter. That filter is there for a reason.

[Solamar]

Originally Posted by famoroso

Did you have a shop do the top end?

Hi Frank, I do all my own stunts

Pelican is to blame!

[Solamar]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

After my total rebuild, I had similar crud in the oil and the filter after the fist oil change. I suspect once the case halves go in the parts washers, and all the parts go through cleaning, it is basically impossible to get it surgically clean at any reasonable cost. And there is always going to be wear on new parts.

After the first 5,000 miles the oil was very clean. Almost nothing in the filter. That filter is there for a reason.

Thanks Glen. I'll drop the oil again in a couple more thousand miles and update this thread with the results.