Oil tank magnet fuzz

[69911e]

When I change my oil I get a small amount of fine metal on the oil tank plug magnet. There is about the same amount as on the engine drain plug. I find this perplexing as the oil tank plug is immediately after the oil filter, which I would expect to catch these fine particles and leave the magnet clean.
I don't have any immediate problem with the engine as this has been my observation over the past couple hundred thousand miles. I typically use a Mahle filter but have seen the same with other brands. The only explanation I have is either the filter allows these to pass through, I have a problem with my tank filter assembly, or the filter internal pressure bypass periodically opens.
Any thoughts, postulations, or explanations?

[afterburn 549]

I am guessing cam chain and sprocket miss alignment

[69911e]

Not looking for engine diagnosis, only how it gets by the filter.
Does anyone else get any very small amount of anything ferrous on the tank magnet?

[afterburn 549]

Nope..not me..none
I would be looking for a diagnosis !

[Jdub]

With 150K on my SC 3.0 I do not see this type of metal. Only on the 915 just after rebuild did I get a bit of fuzz, then no more.

[69911e]

Just to be clear, this looks like a small amount of black oil sludge with no abrasive texture found in the very bottom of the plug groove. The only reason I know it's metal is it adheres to the magnet. It is much finer than the standard stuff from the transmission syncros (which we all get unless you have a g50) and is significantly smaller amounts.

[db_cooper]

A picture would be good. If the ferrous material is very-very fine..like silt..then it is the accumulation of 10/20 micron iron/steel particles that the filter was not designed to and did not catch.

Thats why there is a magnet on the drain plugs from Porsche. Pretty normal on any engine with magnetic drain plugs.

If the drain plugs have a load of material and it is coarse or large..then the engine has some other problems.

You should be able to wipe the drain plug magnet clean with the debris looking like grease on the shop rag.

[Jdub]

I know exactly what you are talking about. It is almost a sludge, very black, but ultra-fine particulate. Yes, do know the difference here with the metal shards in the 915 vs. what you are detailing here.

I usually spread it out on a paper towel and examine. Never a shard, or equiv. - always just the black stuff too fine to see under a magnifying glass.

I do not think you need to worry about it, but I am all ears to other's thoughts on this. I believe this is not uncommon though.

[69911e]

I may do a test with a different filter. Looks like the Mobile1 traps much smaller particles and indicates it's available for my car. Anyone ever try one of the more efficient filters? The Mahle appears to be a standard media.

I found this and many more on the web. Take with a grain of salt like any internet info....
Efficient Oil Filtration Recommend : Motor Oil

[gregwils]

This is the first oil change after a top end. It looks like fuzz, but it smeared like sludge when touched. I was told that as long as there were no particles that you could actually feel, it was fine. Motor has much less fuzz after a few thousand miles.

You could always have an oil analysis done if you want more info. A lot of people use these guys Blackstone Labs It's only $25.

[afterburn 549]

It can not be Bearing materials as its not is not going to stick...
(Unless it was wore real deep)
So it can ONLY be timing chain /sprocket parts, or cylinder wall pieces....

[racerr1958]

Get an oil analysis, that way you can sleep at night!
Most analysis will give you the metal results and evaluate whether you have a situation.
From there you can determine where the metal is coming from, bearings, piston, crank.
The critical one is FE, if its over 150 ppm your engine is in trouble.

[afterburn 549]

You have to know it is steel....the rest will not stick...and the are only a few steel surfases in the engine...I suppose a oil pump gear could be going....never herd of one..
a crank going you will know it
a rod going you will know it..
your dwn to just a couple things...I am betting on chains and and sprockets Pop you chain cover off...I bet you find very worn teeth..

[Hydrocket]

I'd say just wear...nothing out of the ordinary. The particles are so microscopic that they pass through the filter. It's only when they hit the magnet that they form a "mass".

[dshepp806]

I've seen nothing on my drain plugs over 6 years with 3Kmile oil changes,....always perfectly clean.

Without question, an oil sample is in order.

Best!

Doyle

[paulmose]

Agree, an oil analysis will tell you a lot, but go to the hardware store and get one of those small insanely strong magnets (they are small and sorta cheap) and pass it near your sludge, my guess is that the sludge, if it had metal in it, would drift to the stronger magnet?

just a thought

Good luck!

[911SauCy]

My 3.0 has 173k on it, about 41k on the rebuild.

Oil (BP 20w-50) is changed every year/3k and I don't get anything resembling fuzz. The "stuff" in my plug usually looks like a little thicker dirty oil sitting in there, and simply wipes out.

I'd get it checked out...

[dave 911]

I've seen that from time to time when I do my oil changes, and have for years. My 2.7 has ~150k on it...