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Bronze/Copper flakes in oil

J

johnpaul44

Member
Hello all I have a new to me RV7 with an O-360 the engine last had an overhaul in 2001 and currently has about 900 hours on it. During the last two oil changes i have performed i noted small particles on bronze and copper colored metal in the filter paper. Both times i did an oil analysis and it showed no abnormal wear metals in the oil. The oil suction screen is also completely clean. The material im seeing is not magnetic. Im guessing if i collected the material it would not be more then a 1/4 teaspoon based off what im seeing, and no pieces bigger then a broken pencil lead.

I have sent the pics both time to my mechanic and he has said no issues and this can be normal, but it still bothers me. I drained he oil today im seeing what looks like glitter same colored particles, my mechanic also said this is normal for high time engines.

Is this normal? and if not where can i begin investigating to find a cuase? what produces "copper" color particles in he engine?
 

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Get trained eyes on the filter

My .02 is I would get an a&p to look at the filter as opposed to sending a picture. Don George is an engine builder in downtown Orlando and they have always had great customer service. They could give you ideas on where to look for bronze inside the engine.
 
I get similar little flakes in my oil filter. It looks like mica. Carbon?
Have you pulled out the sump screen?

IMG_4470-M.jpg


This was what was in my sump screen. It is easily crushable with your fingernail, so it isn't metallic. My oil analysis always comes back OK, so if this was a metal, you would definitely hear about it in the report. Nothing of this size was found in the oil filter pleats.
 
this might be normal?

Thanks to the advice, i did contact Don George and he has been giving me some advice via email which is really nice of them!

After watching several youtube videos i believe what I'm seeing maybe considered "normal" Ill leave these videos below for anybody that may also see this thread in the future. If you watch closely all three videos the oil filter paper has very similar bronze/brass flakes as mine does, I'm guessing this might just be considered normal for Lycoming

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhybxldt08A&ab_channel=Tony&Anna'sRV-7ConstructionVideos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWYvVHlQR4M&ab_channel=BaughmanAviation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEcG0zwBDAE&ab_channel=LifeIsShortDIY
 
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