How fuzzy should my drain plugs be?

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Just changed the oil after my DE. While at the track, I had the nagging feeling that my oil was low, even though I had topped it off last weekend. I added almost a qt. after yesterday's three sessions - about 380 miles since last weekend. This morning, Siberian followed me to the track and said there was no smoke at all on decel or shifting. Got home today and both drain plugs had some fuzz. It was as fine as powder and silvery, but thicker than I remember last.

Also, during my rebuild in Jan., we decided to rering my Alusil pistons, which I know can be a gamble. Until now, car was burning almost no oil. In April I did 1100 miles to Mid-Ohio and back, 200 of which were track miles and was only down 1/2 qt. after all that. If I am losing the gamble on the Alusils, how long does it take to realize it? Thanks.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Anyone? Buehler? Orange whip?

patkeefe · 07-31-2005, 05:33 PM

Rick:
If it were me, I'd spring for the $20 oil analysis. Get a hold of lubemaster77 or donstevens, they can hook you up with a test lab and such.
Any of the fuzz magnetic?

Hetmann · 08-02-2005, 07:17 AM

Cut open your oil filter and see what's in there too. Any coppery or brass flecks?

cstreit · cstreit's Garage

...but also remember if you didn't get ANY metal wear, the engines would last forever. Some is normal...

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Jerry, filter is already gone. Trash was picked up yesterday.

NoLift911 · 08-02-2005, 10:02 AM

I would also expect "more than normal" after 3 DE sessions - not exactly easy driving there. Nothing like the normal street driving it would see I am sure you mixed up the oil real good and the magnet caught it.

-Jeff

kang · 08-02-2005, 11:02 AM

How many miles on the car since the re-ring? Perhaps they are still “breaking in” and wearing the cylinder walls a bit. On the other hand, perhaps they are wearing the cylinder walls a bit too much…

Was this the 993? Being a quart low shouldn’t be an issue, but are you saying you burned a quart in 380 miles? Perhaps the rings have not really seated at all?

An oil anaylsis is a good idea, it can tell you where the metal is coming from. You could also try a compression check and/or leakdown. That will let you know if the rings are leaking.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

No, this is the SC. I think I have about 5k miles on it since the rebuild. The rings must be seated, or else I would have had much higher consumption on my 1100 mile Mid-Ohio trip, no?

Jim Richards · 08-02-2005, 11:09 AM

RL, you're golden. Your SC's engine is fine and I'm looking forward to running with you on the track this weekend.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Jim, I think I may need some Engine Restore before the DE, no?

Jim Richards · 08-02-2005, 11:29 AM

Yeah RL, you'd better fill your whole system with this stuff. Should be good for "lots of HP."

kang · 08-02-2005, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rick Lee
No, this is the SC. I think I have about 5k miles on it since the rebuild. The rings must be seated, or else I would have had much higher consumption on my 1100 mile Mid-Ohio trip, no?

Hmm, good question. All I can suggest is the compression and/or leakdown tests. Good luck.