brass particles in oil.

[planenut]

I just overhauled a '70 1600. Had the case line bored, and drilled out oil galley plugs so the case could be perfectly clean, and it was. Crank was within limits, so I polished it. New cam and lifters, new 1641 pistons and cylinders, new Brazilian heads. Plus, new fuel pump, DVDA can, Just about new everything, but I've done 3 oil changes, most of them back to back. The last one was probably after a hundred miles. Every time the oil looks good until you shine a light in it, and you can see brass particles in the oil. Thinking the only thing being brass would be the distributor drive. I pulled all that and the brass gear looks perfect, and no signs of abnormal wear. Valve guides are bronze, and don't know if I'm seeing bronze or brass, but it sure looks like brass. Engine runs perfect, with nothing abnormal. Has anyone seen this before??

[busdaddy]

Could it be aluminum that looks yellow due to the oil?, cam gears occasionally eat themselves up.
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[67rustavenger]

Are the cam and lifters from the same manufacturer?

Sometimes, if from different manufacturers. One can eat the other.
I had that happen a few years ago.
Been there done that. Still have the worn out cam and lifters!

Monitor the valve/rocker clearance values and change the oil a few more times before deciding you have an issue.

Fine particles in the oil from a fresh engine build are fairly normal. But should clean up by (my guess) 3-400 miles. And start to reduce after 3-4 oil changes.

Dip a finger in the oil and feel if the particles are gritty or rather smooth feeling.
If you have a strong magnet. Dip that into the drained oil too. If it attracts the debris in the oil. Something is likely going south.
If it comes out clean. It's likely bearing wearin.
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[Starbucket]

Since the case was line bored did they machine the dist. drive bore also? The two 0.024"washers that go on the bottom of dist. drive shaft should now use a 0.118" spacer (next to case) and one 0,024" washer next to dist. drive shaft or your lash will be off. It's hard to see wear without using prushion blue to see where the gears mesh.

[planenut]

I'm pretty sure it's brass. When you shine a light into it, it's definitely gold color. I think I stated I pulled the dist drive gear, and inspected all that. The washers were fine. Don't misunderstand, these aren't 'particles'. It'd be more like a powder if you could separate it. It does seem less every time I change the oil. It's just getting expensive at $8 a quart. Thanks for the help and info.

[RA 70]

I suspect it’s most likely bearing material. That’s how my oil looked when I toasted a cam bearing.

[mukluk]

Pull your valve covers and look for evidence of gold particles around the valves. The bronze guides produce debris that looks like what you describe when they're wearing, see the picture from the gallery below.

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[planenut]

I've pulled the valve covers a couple times. Probably need to do it again. Looking at the photos, that's a LOT of chunks. I don't have anything like that. New heads shouldn't be doing that, anyway. I'm trying to sell this, and don't want to screw over anyone.

[RWK]

I suspect some of the replacement and aftermarket heads have brass rather then bronze guides, what do yours look like? brass will wear rapidly.

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[planenut]

There is nothing magnetic in the oil. You can't feel anything, and can only see it when you shine a light into it.I may just be panicky. But I don't like anything flowing thru the engine, no matter how small. So far, I bet I don't have much over a hundred miles on it. I'd have to go check. Like I said, these were new, Brazilian heads. I would think they'd be a better quality than Chinese.

[RA 70]

Do you have a picture of the oil when you drained it?

[Starbucket]

You could replace the oil pump with one with a spin-on filter so particles won't go through the motor.

[67rustavenger]

[vwoldbug]

Pictures may help.

[jarmchairpilot]

On my 1200 there is a bronze bush on the Conrod small end.
If they were damaged the engine would get loud as the pistons would not be moving smoothly there would be unwanted sideways movement at the wrist pin.
That would require a rebuild .

[planenut]

This is in a stainless steel pan with a flashlight shining in it.

[planenut]

The engine sounds good. Nothing out of the ordinary.

[Zundfolge1432]

It’s natural to see some crud in the oil. Changed mine yesterday about 10k on a 1600 dual port. I sound like a broken record but these damn engines are tougher than we think😀 use your favorite flavor of oil and change it a little more often the damn car will outlast you.

Mine had metal specs and some fine sludge. Tells me to increase frequency of change interval.

[67rustavenger]

Run it!

This is normal. For a new build. Don't over think things.

_________________
I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!

There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo!

[planenut]

Thank you 67rustadvenger, I've only done 2 of these. My first one was about 5 years ago, and nothing like this. It still runs perfectly. This one just has me worried. Like you said, I'm probably worrying too much.