routine oil change
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
routine oil change Just got done doing my first oil change on the car. I've had it for 2000 miles, its an 02 TA with 45000 miles, 6sp. There were some metal shavings on the oil plug, not much but they were there. Also some build up underneath the oil cap. Are these things normal??
I also used mobil 1 synthitic. 10w-30, thats good stuff right??
I also used mobil 1 synthitic. 10w-30, thats good stuff right??
Tech Resident
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,117
Likes: 3
From: Philly
30W mobil 1's are close to a 20W. they're typically regarded as too thin for an LS1 by people that have seen oil tests. they are the most frequently used on the LS1, though, simply because the manual says it. while mobil 1 makes i good oil, i'd recommend you step up to mobil 1 0W-40 or 'made in germany' castrol 0W-30. both of these oils are on the mid-high side of a 30W. they will show much less wear than a mobil 1 30W oil, provide better startup protection than a 10W-30 (even though they'll be louder and you'll hear more piston slap til it warms up ~ 1 minute) and they're overall just better oils. i use the 'made in germany' castrol 0W-30. it's only found at autozone and must say 'made in germany' on the back, if you're interested.
honestly, if mobil 1 10W-30 was free, i wouldn't put it in my car. it's just too thin IMO. i'd say give something thicker a shot, you'll see less wear.
and to answer your question about the shavings, i'm not sure
how much metal shavings were in the oil? i never see any in mine, then again i don't inspect. all engines wear during an oil change so there will be SOME shavings, but it shouldn't be a whole lot 
i would say it's normal to see some on the drain plug on a 45,000 mile car. it may just be buildup over the years. next time, completely clean the shavings off your drain plug. that way you can see if anymore accumulate on it over the next oil cycle.
honestly, if mobil 1 10W-30 was free, i wouldn't put it in my car. it's just too thin IMO. i'd say give something thicker a shot, you'll see less wear.
and to answer your question about the shavings, i'm not sure
how much metal shavings were in the oil? i never see any in mine, then again i don't inspect. all engines wear during an oil change so there will be SOME shavings, but it shouldn't be a whole lot i would say it's normal to see some on the drain plug on a 45,000 mile car. it may just be buildup over the years. next time, completely clean the shavings off your drain plug. that way you can see if anymore accumulate on it over the next oil cycle. 
TECH Resident
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 937
Likes: 0
From: South Alabama
Originally Posted by bird2002
I also used mobil 1 synthitic. 10w-30, thats good stuff right??
When I bought my car w/ 34k miles, I changed the generic dino oil out of the car and saw most likely what you are describing. Its a magnetic tip, and it will always have some metal things to wipe off (not much). If you have large pieces stuck to it that i'd be worried, but otherwise don't sweat it, its normal. DEFINATELY switch to a better oil. German Castrol (0w-30) kicks ***, or Mobil 1 Truck & SUV 5w40, Redline 5w30, or a couple others. If you have an Autozone nearby go put that stuff in with a Napa Gold (Wix) filter or a K&N filter (HP-2006 truck filter lets you use 6 full quarts)
The drain plug is magnetic so it will pick up some metal shavings as the engine wears. I guess I've been lucky as I have never had anything stuck to mine yet. I also agree on the Mobil 1 5W-30 stuff. Switch to a thicker oil. GC 0W-30 is what you want ideally.
