Porcupine on my drain bolt?
11-29-2008, 10:02 PM
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Porcupine on my drain bolt? Well, I was changing my oil tonight and when I removed the drain bolt, I decided to take a close look at it. To my dismay, the tip of it was covered in what appeared to be tiny spikes...sorta looked like how guidos spike their hair or the back of a porcupine. They wiped off easily with a paper towel.
From what I have read on here though, it is a very bad sign. Anyone have any guesses?
The engine has close to 78,000 miles on it and I took pics of the spikes but my camera sucks. If the pics help identify the issue I will post them up, let me know!
From what I have read on here though, it is a very bad sign. Anyone have any guesses?
The engine has close to 78,000 miles on it and I took pics of the spikes but my camera sucks. If the pics help identify the issue I will post them up, let me know!
11-29-2008, 10:16 PM
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I wouldn't say that the little metal particles on the drain plug is a good sign. But it is normal, well for at least me. I've had the same thing your talking about on just about every kind of motor i've own ranging from my 4 wheeler to my pick-up. If it makes you feel any better the oil pan plug bolt is magnetic and is susposed to attrack any metal in the oil.
11-29-2008, 10:53 PM
#4
if they end up just smudging into fine powder, then it's not too much to worry about yet. Just keep in mind that if it looks a bit on the excessive side, then I'd consider switching to another brand and seeing how that works out.
How you drive it, what conditions the engine experience (stop/go, track, drag, cold drives, long drives etc), oil change intervals and finally oil type also play a larger part in the wear.
How you drive it, what conditions the engine experience (stop/go, track, drag, cold drives, long drives etc), oil change intervals and finally oil type also play a larger part in the wear.
11-30-2008, 04:12 PM
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Well I found a pic of what the needle bearings look like and holy crap! The little spikes I saw were nowhere near that big. So I'm just going to assume it was little metal shavings because of the thickness of oil I was running...I just switched to 5W30, I'm hoping for better mpg and performance. Thanks guys!
