Metal Flakes in Oil?

[tjollimore]

We have a 2004 Vibe with the 1ZZ-FE engine that's just about to hit the 60k mile mark. I've always done my own oil changes every 5k miles with a new Toyota filter and Castrol 5w30 oil as recommended. The car is driven fairly gently, although I'll occasionally take it towards redline to 'clean it out' every few months or so.I've noticed off and on over our ownership what appear to be metal flakes in the oil. These have never been thick enough to be a major cause for concern, and when I brought it up with the dealership awhile back they told me not to worry about it. The car's been running great, aside from a recent CEL that's flagging a 'slight leak in charcoal canister system' or something like that. I just checked the oil again yesterday, and the metal flakes were there, a little thicker than usual.Is this something that's 'normal' with these engines? No way should these be showing up with so few miles. But I turned down a used Corolla and another used Vibe because I saw these and it raised the red flag of imminent engine self-destruction... Yet I don't see it discussed much here. Comments?

[djkeev]

I don't have that, 07 1.8 @ 70,000 + miles.In many cars, that fine metallic paint look of the oil often indicates cam / lifter wear.Haven't heard much about it on these engines.I've run Mobil 1 since the car had about 5000 miles on it and it seems as clean as a whistle inside. I hope you aren't blazing a trail with cam problems.Let us know what you find out.You might send a sample to the lab, it isn't expensive, it is BlackstoneThat is often used. Have them tell you exactly WHAT that metal is made of. Knowing will either make you worry more or calm your fears.http://www.blackstone-labs.com/Dave

[wallyuwl]

On your next oil change run some Pennzoil Platinum or Pennzoil Ultra with a high capacity filter (such as a Mobil 1 filter). Keep the oil change interval to no more than 6k miles even though it is with a synthetic. That should start to clean the engine out pretty well of any sludge and metal deposits. The PP and PU are also very good anti-wear oils. Castrol conventional (at least the impression is you've been using their conventional version) is a weak oil even for a dino. Pennzoil yellow bottle or Valvoline white bottle are much better choices for dinos. Don't be surprised to get a little consumption for a few oil changes after switching over to synthetic from dino.