I have poured oil in to paint filters to see how big the pieces are. I'm with Pete as this doesn't look bad/terminal. Looks like it may have been low on oil or a very extended change interval causing it. Wouldn't start pulling it apart without seeing larger pieces.
(that all being said it is very hard to get a feel for scale in the picture, filter it and put the tip of a pencil in the frame for the picture)
Oil analysis is a wonderful tool. I have used it on many airplane engines and it can literally save your ass. However, I have been lead to believe that you need to start early so a baseline is established and when something changes drastically you know where to look before it is too late.
Changing the oil this weekend. Will filter through some a coffee filter or paper towel to get an idea of what I'm actually looking at. Thanks all!
pilotbraden said:Oil analysis is a wonderful tool. I have used it on many airplane engines and it can literally save your ass. However, I have been lead to believe that you need to start early so a baseline is established and when something changes drastically you know where to look before it is too late.
While that is the best way, especially with light aircraft using 100LL fuel which can mask bearing wear, individual checks when it appears something is off or wrong without history can be useful. Just know that it will be limited in what we can tell you.
in a case like this it would likely be able to determine if it's cylinder, bearing or cam wear depending on the material used.
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