Metal Flakes (gold color) in Oil Filter Housing Cap?

[Woz1976-MT]

While I was changing the oil on my '16 TE today (at 10,540 miles), I noticed after taking out the oil filter and looking into the filter housing cap there small, gold-colored specks floating around in the bottom. Anyone else ever notice this during an oil change on a 5th gen?

I decided to carefully remove the filter tube so that I could pour a little fresh oil in the cap and then use a fresh disposable shop towel to wipe it out.

I hoping it's not a sign of bad things. Thanks for any info/advice.

PS: I didn't have access to a camera to take a picture, but if I see it again I'll definitely be documenting it extensively.

 

[Navy_Seabee]

If you still have some of the waste oil I would send it out for an oil analysis. That is one way of finding out what is going on.

 

[dawudih]

Valve guides are gold colored metal. Brass, I think.

 

[e60ral]

go here: Blackstone Labs

 

[(none)]

First oil change? I wouldn't be thrilled, but don't worry too much yet. As others have stated, you can send some of the oil out for analysis. I'd just plan to do another oil change in 5k miles and see if you see the same thing again. If so, then I'd be concerned.

 

[e60ral]

Also, be sure to document changing your own oil. Make sure you save a copy of the oil receipt or take a photo or have some other kind of concrete record, you will need it if you end up having any issues that need to be fixed in the future under warranty.

 

[yellow wagon]

Make sure you document anything you do with this recent finding. Anytime you find metal (especially flakes) something isn't right. You could potentially be looking at a serious problem with your engine and will need the documentation/findings.

 

[M22]

I am confident what you are seeing is normal. It depends on the size of the specs but little tiny sparkles are normal, that is what the filter is there for. Engines have friction that no oil can fully protect against. So if anyone can ever change their oil and not have these specs, theoretically then their engine will last forever! Its the slivers of metal and larger flakes that are of concern. As previous posters have said if you are concerned use Blackstone labs (its not that expensive for piece of mind).

 

[vicpick58]

Don't worry about unless it continues, I had the same thing at my first oil change. Have not seen it again. Have 182k miles now and change oil ever 5k miles. First time I changed the rear differential lube had some partials too, but not in later changes. It's just from breaking in new parts.

 

[Woz1976-MT]

Thanks everyone. They were quite small -- most wouldn't even pour out with the fresh oil I poured into the empty (all parts removed) housing cap. I had to use some plastic picks from my gun cleaning kit to get them loosened up and then wiped them out.

I will be doing a Blackstone Labs UOA and mention it to them (I have done one for every oil change I've done -- 3 now; one at about 1000, one at 5400, and this one at 10500). I also have every receipt for the oil and filters I've used -- keep them in my own three-ring binder -- and I also document the same info on the Toyota Owner's website (if anyone here doubts I have a bit of OCD, this should confirm it for them). When I get this UOA back from Blackstone I'll post the results for everyone to review.

This time I put Mobil 1 0W-20 AFE in with an Amsoil filter (I've varied Mobil 1 EP and AFE). I'm going to run this oil up to 20,000 miles, then follow the 10,000 mile OCI from then on (with UOA).

Thanks again -- I'm keeping my fingers crossed it's just normal break-in happening here.

 

[Woz1976-MT]

Here is my UOA from Blackstone (my 3rd oil change since purchasing my '16 TE in August, 2016). Blackstone doesn't seem to be too concerned about the flakes in the oil filter housing -- at least not yet.

Like someone mentioned, I have the receipts for every oil/filter used to date, along with a UOA at every oil change so far. I'm feeling a little better now.

My next concern, Blackstone comments about going to a 7,000-mile OCI next... when Toyota states 10,000-mile OCI. I'm hoping the Mobil 1 0W-20 AFE in there now can handle a 10,000-mile OCI.