12-28-2019, 03:54 PM | #1 |
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Copper in oil?
I changed the oil on my 35 with what I believe to be the original motor. Just a tad bit of gray sludge on the cap which seems like good news but when inspecting the catch pan there are several clumps of what look like copper-ish material. Engine seems to run fine even with lower compression in a couple of cylinders. Are these deposits somewhat normal? It is my second oil change after having the car for about a year. Again i know the engine is tired but is this a real bad sign? Thanks
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12-28-2019, 06:21 PM | #2 |
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Re: Copper in oil?
My guess and only a guess is the bearings are coming apart.
I can't think of anywhere else copper would be coming from. Engine experts? What say you?
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12-28-2019, 06:27 PM | #3 |
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Re: Copper in oil?
How sure are you it is copper? From the post sounds like it could just be copper colored stuff. Is it metal filings, or just sludge?
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12-28-2019, 06:56 PM | #4 |
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Re: Copper in oil?
Probably the best way to find out what's in the oil is to get it analyzed rather than wild guessing.
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12-28-2019, 07:00 PM | #5 |
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Re: Copper in oil?
Uh duh. Why didn't I think of that? Good advice sir, good advice.
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12-29-2019, 08:38 AM | #6 |
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Re: Copper in oil?
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12-29-2019, 10:19 AM | #7 |
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Re: Copper in oil?
I did the Blackstone Labs thing a couple of years ago. It was quick and easy, and if I remember correctly, it cost $25. I got the kit at my local NAPA.
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12-29-2019, 03:42 PM | #8 |
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Re: Copper in oil?
AS far as I know, copper bearings were used ih heavy duty truck engines. But may have been installed during a rebuild.
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12-29-2019, 09:39 PM | #9 |
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Re: Copper in oil?
copper isn't magnetic, does the copper colored sludge stick to a magnet?
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12-29-2019, 10:33 PM | #10 |
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Re: Copper in oil?
Now we're getting somewhere...
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12-29-2019, 10:52 PM | #11 |
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Re: Copper in oil?
If it's "clumps", could it be from the mesh in the oil breather cap that disintegrated into the pan?
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12-31-2019, 09:44 AM | #12 |
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Re: Copper in oil?
I was a fleet mechanic for Speedway police etc in the early 80s and we used Kendal oil. Every oil change was sampled and put in a small tube to be analyzed. I had a book with a test sheet for every vehicle.
Couldnt believe the dollars we saved. All bearings have copper in them . Our reports would include copper-bearings,water/antifreeze-leaks, chrome-piston rings, cast-camshafts etc...fuel in the oil . Saved us a ton , even sent a new ford back for warranty repairs based on two samples high in cast iron , had camshaft lobes coming apart at 10,000 miles ........ https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?...%20compisition |
01-01-2020, 03:55 PM | #13 |
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Re: Copper in oil?
Im 90 percent sure this is copper. Unfortunately i did t spot it oluntil i dumped the pan into a larger jug of other used oils.
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01-01-2020, 10:36 PM | #14 |
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Re: Copper in oil?
Should be more of it in the oil shortly! Plus I'd be fairly sure the block was not cleaned out that well with just a normal oil change.
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01-02-2020, 01:44 PM | #15 |
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Re: Copper in oil?
Could it be rust ? If you need to remove the oil pan , check the 4 core plugs on the pan rail .
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01-02-2020, 02:07 PM | #16 |
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Re: Copper in oil?
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