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Is it normal when changing the main chain, oilpump chain and all guides that oil filter housing has very very small metal particles? not pieces just like dust of some kind. (not sure is it metall etc.) Is it somehow related to the new chains wearing in? Engine runs butter smooth.
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What may have happened is when your chain guides fell apart they ground down the aluminum part of the guide and spread aluminum filings and dust all over the engine. You then fixed it, and filled with new oil, but the remaining particles are still being filtered out. I would change the oil out one more time and see if it continues. If it does, then there is an issue somewhere, something is machining itself. Otherwise, if its clean, then it was just left over particles. Happened to me before.
02 e39 540i Sport (Son), 01 DINAN 7 (Me), 12 e70 X5 x35i (Mrs), 95 e34 525i (Daughter 2), 01 e46 325Ci vert (Daughter 1)
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thanks for the reply, but the guides was in good condition before this operation. wanted to change them before they broke
Member
The chains do not need breaking in. If the dust is bright silver, then its aluminum, and that could be from the old guides, if its a dull silver, its steel, like the cams or timing gears and chain, and if its dark silver, its the piston bearings. I would still change the oil and see if it continues. If it clears up, then you're good.
If it continues, then I would at least remove the upper timing chain covers and see if there is any rubbing or machining issues. I did have one engine where the intake sprocket on one side was rubbing the chain for some reason. I loosened it, then re-tightened and all was well. If the car is 99 or later, the process is different, but the sprockets might be a bit off.
02 e39 540i Sport (Son), 01 DINAN 7 (Me), 12 e70 X5 x35i (Mrs), 95 e34 525i (Daughter 2), 01 e46 325Ci vert (Daughter 1)
Member
Maybe send in an oil sample to Blackstone Labs - they will be able to tell you exactly what type of metal it is and where it is possibly coming from.
E38 1998 740iL DM24826 - Arctic Silver Metallic / Gray - 185k
Retrofits/Modifications: Bi-xenon lights with angel eyes and city lights, 750iL grab handles and rear interior lights, facelift kidneys, Euro front plate, 2001 tail lights, auto wipers, auto headlights, interior and exterior illuminated door handles, Steptronic, "Max AC" IHKA panel, comfort exit/entry, LED high beams, rear seat foot rests, footwell lighting, Avin Avant 4, Monsoon rear deck subs and door woofers, wireless charging, hydraulic trunk (coming soon)
E38 2001 750iL Sport DD74513 - Titan Silver / Black - 175k
BMW CCA # 573127
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The particles are so small to see the color but it is something shiny looking. only see in good light when looking really close. I painted the valve covers to gray and it looks exact when the paint is mixed in oil, might be that. installed those half dry since i was in a hurry. New oil filter had some same looking dust straight out the box. might be some fibers of the filter etc. Engine does not knock or rattle at all.
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