3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
Ugh. How thick are those chunks?... are they really thin flakes?? Kinda hard to tell from the pix. Could they be normal break-in sort of bits? (Probably wishful thinking.)
Could also be chips from the block/head/whatever machining processes that quickly made their way to the pan and have been there since day 1. Again, might be wishful thinking.
__________________
1992 Camry LE, V6 (3VZ-FE), ABS brakes, 330k miles, dark emerald pearl, owned since new.
1996 Avalon XLS, ABS brakes, moonroof, white, acquired w/ 139k miles, now at 261k.
2001 Yamaha FZ1, Ivan's jet kit, resprung all around, Ohlins in the rear, Race Tech cartridge emulators in the forks, 45k miles.
Good that they aren't magnetic, so it isn't bearing material, but definitely not good either way. Break-in material is usually fine metallic grains in the oil. Something in your engine is shedding those pieces. They may be silver, but just stained gold from the engine oil.
Ball or needle bearing shavings would be magnetic. Babbit bearings (used for the crankshaft bearings) would not be, as I believe it's usually an alloy of tin and copper, and normally is very light grey in color.
Ah, this from wikipedia:
Modern Babbitt bearings
In more modern practice, the crankshaft and connecting rod big end bearings in a modern automobile engine have bearings made of a replaceable steel shell, keyed to the bearing caps. The inner surface of the steel shell is plated with a coating of bronze which is in turn coated with a thin layer of Babbitt metal as the bearing surface.
Gold colored, eh? Can you scrape on the surface of one of those flakes to see if the gold color goes all the way thru?... or is it just on the surface, like a heat discoloration? If they're gold throughout, it might be your crank bearings have worn thru the babbiting and into the bronze. Not good.
__________________
1992 Camry LE, V6 (3VZ-FE), ABS brakes, 330k miles, dark emerald pearl, owned since new.
1996 Avalon XLS, ABS brakes, moonroof, white, acquired w/ 139k miles, now at 261k.
2001 Yamaha FZ1, Ivan's jet kit, resprung all around, Ohlins in the rear, Race Tech cartridge emulators in the forks, 45k miles.
Looks like brass or copper. Could be bearing material. They're huge!! I think if it were serious you'd have a knocking by now. Do oil analysis to see if your wear metals are out of line.
__________________
1995 Camry Wagon LE. 2.2 4cyl, 5S-FE, Auto, 187K
Looks like brass or copper. Could be bearing material. They're huge!! I think if it were serious you'd have a knocking by now. Do oil analysis to see if your wear metals are out of line.
Ive always heard about oil analysis, but never knew how to do it. Can you help me out with this? What do I need to do and how much does it usually cost?
I havent heard any knocking. The engine has been running just fine. Have had a slight drop in gas mileage over the last month, which is why Im doing a complete tune up on it now. I dont know how long these could have been in the pan, because this is the first time IVE dropped it, and Ive only had the car for just under a year. My step brother had it before me, and he knows nothing about cars.
__________________
1993 Camry LE I4 Bone Stock - 380,000 miles (as of Aug '11)
1993 Camry XLE V6 Bone Stock - 260,xxx miles (as of July '11) Blown Head Gasket
2003 Chevy Trailblazer EXT I6 - 107,000 miles (as of Aug '11)
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Linear Mode
