Metal shavings in first oil change.....normal?

JungleJim · Joined: 14 Jun 2008 Posts: 108

I just drained the oil for the first time in my wife's new RAV4.
For the heck of it, I ran my finger across the bottom of the drain pan. I noticed a few pieces of "grit". Upon closer inspection, I determined that they were probably pieces of aluminum.

Is this normal for a first oil change? I know the purpose of changing the oil for the first time with low miles is to get all of the little pieces out of the oil, but I didn't think I would actually be able to feel or see them.

I'm debating about going back up to Walmart and getting some cheap dino oil to run through it, then drain it again prior to putting in the the Mobil 1.

Is this normal?

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John E Davies · Posted: July 8, 2009, 6:36 pm Post subject:

No it is not normal. Modern engines don't have stuff floating around in them like in the bad old days.

Did you keep the filter element? What did it look like? Take a magnifying glass for a close look, and flush it with solvent into a clean pan or paper towel to see if anything comes out.

If it looks bad, tell your dealer and have them do the next oil change. If there is metal next time, you have a problem. Well - they have a problem, you most likely get a new engine.....
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BigSwede · Posted: July 9, 2009, 5:21 am Post subject:

IMO it is normal for the first change...shouldn't be any for the 2nd change though.
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Zeoth · Posted: July 9, 2009, 8:09 am Post subject:

I agree it's somewhat "normal" but it all depends on how much came out. A little not a big deal. This is why I always overchange my oil on new cars. I usually change at 500, 1000, 2000 3500, 5000 and after that I go every 8,000-10,000 miles on full synthetic.
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Colonel · Joined: 14 Jan 2007 Posts: 763 1991 Toyota MR2

mensajero · Posted: July 9, 2009, 9:53 am Post subject:

If you ask me, No, it isn't normal in any engine, new or old. Once it's running in the system sooner or later something will expire. Be it bearings, cylinder walls, etc. Check the particles that you have and try to see what kind of metal it is. If you can post a picture of them maybe someone in the forum might be able to ID the metal. Maybe even be able to tell you where is comes from. If you are doing the cheap dino oil, use some engine flush also. Try to see if their is more particles. If so, you got a problem, better yet, your local Toyota dealer has a problem.
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BigSwede · Posted: July 9, 2009, 10:15 am Post subject:

Every new engine I have changed oil on has some metal particles in the pan, on the filter, and on the magnetic oil plug the first time, including my RAV4. This is a normal product of manufacturing process. And I have never had an engine that blew up or even burned oil in lengthy service.
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Esc · Posted: July 9, 2009, 10:32 am Post subject:

It is normal. What you are seeing is the break in of the pistons. As they move they create their own custom seats withing the cylinder. The metal you are seeing is what is discarded during the seating process. This is what the "break-in" period is all about.

RTexasF · Posted: July 9, 2009, 4:47 pm Post subject:

My question is how clean was the pan that the oil was drained into? Was it totally spotless? No chance whatsoever of crud on the bottom of the pan? I think this could be much ado about nothing. Drive the car and enjoy it. Don't look for problems where none exist.

It would certainly be worth checking the filter and the (clean) pan on the next oil change I would think.
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flyingn · Posted: July 10, 2009, 9:38 am Post subject:

here I be. Yes there is a very good chance of metal shavings in a new engine. I have some sorts of maching leftovers in every new cars that I have changed oil in the last 25 years. For the cost of an oil change its surely not worth it not to change the first oil at 500 miles or so.

friendly_jacek · Last edited by friendly_jacek on July 10, 2009, 9:05 pm; edited 1 time in total

friendly_jacek · Posted: July 10, 2009, 9:05 pm Post subject:

SteVTEC · Posted: July 12, 2009, 9:19 pm Post subject:

georose · Joined: 10 Jan 2007 Posts: 269 07 Rav4 Sport V6 4WD

Yes, I think it is most important not to change the oil prematurely during break in.

Zeoth · Posted: July 13, 2009, 8:13 am Post subject: