Gold colored dust in oil after heads and cam install
#1
Teching In
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Gold colored dust in oil after heads and cam install
So I just finished up a ls6 heads and cam install on my vette and have driven it for about 1500 miles. When I changed the oil i noticed a substantial amount of gold colored "dust" in the oil. There are no chunks or large metal particles that I can see. The car runs great with no abnormal noises and the oil pressure is good as well. Is this something that I should be concerned about or should I just change the oil and keep an eye on it?
#2
It has to be main or connecting rod bearing material. You can have the oil tested to confirm or if it was me, drop the oil pan and start checking. This is something you should have done when you first noticed the gold dust, and yes, you should be very concerned.
#4
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
If it is the bearings, it is likely an issue that requires major work. If it were my car, I think I would run it another 1000 miles then dump the oil again and see if you are still seeing the material. Also, if you still have the filter from the prior change then cut it open and check the material. Photos would help as well.
#6
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (1)
Most likely, this is cam bearing material.
Have you held a magnet to the material to verify otherwise?
As long as you have good pressure and no abnormal changes, I would also change the oil & filter, and run it some, then re-inspect. At the slightest evidence of contaminants, you'll have to go further.
Have you held a magnet to the material to verify otherwise?
As long as you have good pressure and no abnormal changes, I would also change the oil & filter, and run it some, then re-inspect. At the slightest evidence of contaminants, you'll have to go further.
Last edited by gMAG; 10-15-2014 at 08:05 PM.
#7
Before you tear apart the engine looking for bad bearings... Did you copper spray the head gaskets? According to a well known LSX shop/sponsor, it's pretty common to find gold dust in the oil when copper spray is used. It usually sticks around for a few thousand miles.
Last edited by 98cherrySS; 10-16-2014 at 10:55 AM.
Trending Topics
#8
Hate to bump an old thread but did you ever find out what was causing the copper?
I used several coats of copper spray on my gaskets and noticed little specs that have my concerned now.
Here is my thread-
https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...-cam-swap.html
I used several coats of copper spray on my gaskets and noticed little specs that have my concerned now.
Here is my thread-
https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...-cam-swap.html