Metal in oil during routine maintenance

[Fulton_Hogan]

It kind of sounds like this is the first time you've actually taken a flashlight to it. If it is, then is this stuff really new, or did you just now hit it with a flashlight and it freaked you out?

This is the first time I have been hyper-aware of the presence of metal in the oil and the first time hitting it with a flashlight as well.

Truthfully I have slept so much since April that I honestly don't remember really noticing anything special at that change. I likely did not use a flashlight on the oil back then, so it could have looked just like it does now.

I have changed a lot of oil in my days and previously really didn't take the time or effort to seriously check my used oil; aside from its color/consistency.

I recently saw the term "analysis paralysis" on a thread here, I hope my concern is similar; overthinking myself into distress.

 

[tstaut]

I hope you're right on the analysis paralysis... I'd probably withhold judgment until you get the results of the analysis and enjoy your Jeep.

 

[Fulton_Hogan]

The Blackstone sample bottle arrived Friday. Today I filled the sample bottle with some of the oil from last weekend's oil change. It should go out tomorrow for analysis.

I'll add that this weekend I've seen the first drop of oil from the engine/transmission junction. This is the first time during my ownership of the Jeep where I've seen that. So my future totally includes (at least) a rear main seal replacement.

 

[pagrey]

Mine has leaked for 70,000 miles off and on. You can replace it but unless your driveway is marble I wouldn't loose sleep over it. 15w-40 diesel oil or high mileage oil can help. During the time I've laughed off my leak a friend has replaced his four times. He's had periods with no leaks, I have money in the bank.

 

[Fulton_Hogan]

I mailed my oil sample on 22 Nov, and received my oil analysis via email Wednesday, 8 Dec. Things seem promising. I only had about 1,600 miles on this oil and the sample I sent was taken cold out of the bottles I'd poured the used oil into to take for recycling.

Here's their comments:
"Your Wrangler looks good at 104,887 miles. The wear metals are all in good shape compared to the universal averages, which are based on about 4,000-mile intervals. This oil run was a little shorter, so it's great to find a lot less iron. Other metals don't track as closely with oil use, so they're fine at near-average levels. The viscosity was a little thin for 10W/30, but neither that nor the 0.8% fuel dilution hurt anything. Small amounts of fuel like this tend to come from short trips or idling. There aren't any signs of coolant or water contamination. Nice!"

The full report:

The bit about "other metals" is the part that feels vague for me (could be good, could be bad); but this was a baseline and I'll just need to update with another sample in the future. The fuel dilution part possibly being a result of short trips and idling fits very much with how I drove on that batch of oil. Not concerned there.

I've not heard that noise since those two events. My oil pressure looks good when I drive. I'm planning on running this batch of oil longer, closer to the 3,000 mile mark and I'll send another sample.

Honestly, this is one of the easiest things I've ever done and don't know why I've never done it on any other vehicle. The knowledge gained is, for me, worth the $30.00.