Strange bits in oil filter

Just changed the engine oil and filter and noticed thes bits in the oil filter. There not metal, they seem to be like a plastic material with a metallic shine on one side. The consistency is a bit like lime scale from a kettle. Any ideas any body.

Looks like chain guide bits.

thanks for the reply, is it something that would need immediate attention or something to keep an ey on? The engine runs fine no rattles or strange noises. It's the first time I've noticed any kind of debris in the filter.

Hard to say really, if they are the only bits and there is nothing again (on your next filter change) it is something to keep an eye on but if the guides are starting to breakdown there is a chance the chain could get slack and then there is a possibility the timing could go out and potentially damage the engine. I would change the filter again within the next 1000 miles just to inspect it. But personally I would want to change the guides but this involves removing the cams etc to get them out, I think you can change all four guides with the engine in the car still. If it is the crank/IMS chain guide this will require the engine taking apart to get to it, although the crank chain guide is black so I doubt it is that one.

As above. Here's what they look like:

It won't be cam guides on a 3.6 three chain engine though but it is the same type of material you will find in the oil.

Any idea of the labour time or cost to do the job at an indie? 😒

I've just filtered the old oil through a pair of tights and haven't found any more pieces in the oil. It's very brittle stuff like flakes of paint.

As said above .. that is bits of a chain guide .. the problem is how serious is it ? It cant be answered with out an engine strip im afraid . What we can say .. the guides have the chain running against them .. slack or movement could damage them .. that is the tensioners that control that so potentially a worn tensioner allowing the chain to not be under the tension it should be . It could just be old age , plastic gets brittle and will break up .. and im talking the edges of the guides here .. if that was part of then center material then i feel it would no longer run . IMHO i think an indy to cast there eyes over it is the most sensible step forward and see what they think and indeed recomend ... show them the pictures .

Thanks for the reply. It seems to be very brittle for a plastic material, and all the pieces are of the same thickness and very smooth on both sides. One side is silver and the other light brown. There are no rattles coming from the engine at all. Maybe I'm trying to bury my head in the sand but is there anything else it could be? I've emailed the picture to a few indies and they've said they've not seen that stuff before.

Thats strange, its a relatively common finding on these engines. Yes, its usually very brittle. As has been suggested, take it to a good indy. Alternatively run it for another 1k miles and re-check the filter. Not sure where you're located but its worth travelling to Nelsons in Stockton on Tees - probably the best indy for 100 miles in the North East. :thumb:

Definitely looks like cam chain guide material. :dont know: As already said, you have two choices really. Visit an Indy (who to be honest would need to strip bits to give any definite answer) or run for another 1000 miles then check filter again. I'd do the latter as any stripping will cost you. Of course there is a chance something could let go within the 1000 miles, who knows. Good luck though, it knocks the confidence in the car and takes the shine off things. Another vote for Nelson Porsche, as ever, if you were up north. I travel 70 miles to use their services, even though I have 3 other options within 20 miles. Great little outfit. :thumb:

Drop the sump and check there as well for bits.

Not trying to be the bearer of bad news but if this was the chain guide I would expect to see much smaller bits of plastic i.e. the guide was ground away by the chain or large bit where it has broken As the bits found in the oil are brown in colour, thin in section it makes me think of a plastic ball bearing carrier inside a bearing. Just my thoughts and I hope I am wrong but could it be the very early signs of an IMS failure?

The ball carrier in the IMSB is metal in every one I have seen.