It is important to know if this is the initial oil change of a new, rebuilt, or overhauled engine.
Typically, small metallic particles, chips, and chunks on either the oil filter element or oil suction
screen during the first oil change of a new, rebuilt, or overhauled engine, are acceptable. After an
initial break-in period, metal content is likely to decrease rapidly to a level that remains essentially
constant.
However, on subsequent oil changes, an increased quantity of chunks, chips, and/or small metal
particles in the oil can be evidence of engine part wear. This wear can increase over a period of time
until premature loss of form, fit, or function occurs.
NOTICE: If the engine has been operated in dust, sand storms, volcanic ash, wildfires, etc. more
particulates could be found.
Table 3 identifies field tests and guidelines for identifying types of metals as well as possible sources
and the next step in the process.
Table 4 identifies the size and amount of material and the recommended corrective action.
Table 5 identifies specific corrective action for the various findings.
The type of material (Table 3), regardless of quantity, and/or the quantity and size of metallic
particles (Table 4) can help determine the corrective action (Table 5) to be taken.
NOTICE: Table 3 only applies to engines that use genuine Lycoming Parts.
Table 3
Guidelines for Identification of Metal Particulates and Chips & Corrective Action
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