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Old 12-28-2019, 03:54 PM   #1
Pandersen33
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Default 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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Old 12-28-2019, 06:21 PM   #2
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Default 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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Old 12-28-2019, 06:27 PM   #3
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Default 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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Old 12-28-2019, 06:56 PM   #4
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Default 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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Old 12-28-2019, 07:00 PM   #5
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Default Re: Copper in oil?

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Originally Posted by 34PKUP View Post
Probably the best way to find out what's in the oil is to get it analyzed rather than wild guessing.
Uh duh. Why didn't I think of that? Good advice sir, good advice.
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Old 12-29-2019, 08:38 AM   #6
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Default Re: Copper in oil?

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Blackstone labs in Indiana sends you a whole kit. Just drop it off at the post office.
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Old 12-29-2019, 10:19 AM   #7
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Default 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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Old 12-29-2019, 03:42 PM   #8
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Default 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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Old 12-29-2019, 09:39 PM   #9
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Default Re: Copper in oil?

copper isn't magnetic, does the copper colored sludge stick to a magnet?
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Old 12-29-2019, 10:33 PM   #10
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Default Re: Copper in oil?

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Originally Posted by r_reed View Post
copper isn't magnetic, does the copper colored sludge stick to a magnet?
Now we're getting somewhere...
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Old 12-29-2019, 10:52 PM   #11
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Default 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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Old 12-31-2019, 09:44 AM   #12
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Default 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 ........

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Old 01-01-2020, 03:55 PM   #13
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Default 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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Old 01-01-2020, 10:36 PM   #14
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Default 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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Old 01-02-2020, 01:44 PM   #15
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Default 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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Old 01-02-2020, 02:07 PM   #16
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Default Re: Copper in oil?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pandersen33 View Post
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.
If that is all copper, you've got a major problem.
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