Metal Shavings in the engine

[Teddie]

I change the oil and filter on my 2.4 Litre 4 Cylinder 03 Caravan every 3,000-3,500 miles, but when I do I notice Metal Shaving in the oil. They are 2D (aka flat) and sized like mini-Rice grains or Black Ants. There are about enough to partially cover the bowl of a normal sized Soup Spoon in a single layer, but not the whole spoon or enough to create a pile. I noticed this at 92,500, and 95,500 miles since before that the oil was being changed by reputable shops after my folks bought it at 80K miles. Before that who knows and the previous owner(s) were obviously vehicle inept plus my Caravan was built in Missouri so that is two strikes against it.

Should I be shitting a brick right about now? The Caravan behaves the same as it did a year ago so will there be warning signs if something serious begins to happen?

[RIP]

Well it's never good to see anything but oil in the oil. Couple things to try. Get the engine flushed and start using synthetic if you're not already. Get the oil analyzed. Where? There are several places but the most read about is Blackstone labs. It will give you a clearer picture of what's going on in the engine.

BTW - Were you born a Kansas Jayhawk? They hate Missouri.

[Teddie]

Sounds like good advice and thanks, but the reputable shops in Portland, OR do not do engine flushes. Plus they say that flushes are for gunk not metal shaving. I am also going to acquire a magnetic drain plug. Never been a Kansasan nor have I ever been to Missouri.

Once I have enough disposable income and drive the wheels off this Caravan I am going to buy a 94-95 Voyager similar to the one my family had for nearly 18 years.