Why doesn't this engine blow?

[RIP]

I brought this up a while back. Here it is again. I've got and 87 Camry Wagon with 240K+ miles. Nearly two years ago I noticed metal chips in the oil. I flushed the system and since am still seeing chips at oil changes. I drive it 70-75mph. The only thing I've changed is I change the oil every 3K instead of 5K miles. I've fully expected this engine to eat itself by now. Has anyone had a similar experience? Are these engines that tough?

[JOET/CAMRY]

Originally Posted by RIP

I brought this up a while back. Here it is again. I've got and 87 Camry Wagon with 240K+ miles. Nearly two years ago I noticed metal chips in the oil. I flushed the system and since am still seeing chips at oil changes. I drive it 70-75mph. The only thing I've changed is I change the oil every 3K instead of 5K miles. I've fully expected this engine to eat itself by now. Has anyone had a similar experience? Are these engines that tough?

Yea RIP,
I remember you mentioning this about your 1987 camry wagon awile back. It would be interesting to find out what part of the engine is shitting the bed. if I were to guess it would be the rod and main bearings.

how many miles were on the car when you noticed these chips in the oil? I know you said it started happening almost 2 years ago.

are their good size chunks of metal or sand size medal fragments?

what the hell at this mileage and age you can't expect a pristene engine with no wear and tear.

" just keep on keeping on"

Regards,

JOET/CAMRY

[Brian R.]

See if the chips are magnetic or not.

[RIP]

Miles on the car? I'm guessing round about 220K miles when I first saw them. Most are shiny silver metalic in color. The biggest one was maybe 1/16 inch long and narrow. Most are roughly round. I'll dump the oil out of the drain pan and see them lying in the bottom. The worst I saw was the first time. Probably 20 or so pieces. Since then I see maybe half a dozen or less each oil change. Are they magnetic? I haven't checked every particle I've found but, I haven't found any that are magnetic which tells me I'm looking at aluminum. Something from the heads maybe?

When I first saw them I figured I'd drop the oil pan and clean it out. That turned into a PIA so settled for flushing it with 2 gallons of paint thinner. Got a few more particles but not much. I've flushed it one more time after that and didn't get anything. So now I change the oil every 3K instead of 5K.

Ya I know. You can't expect them to last forever. If something like this happens you expect it to happen now. Just wish it lasted a little longer like I see some do. For now, it gets me from A to B without a hickup. I just make sure I have a cell phone with me.

[AccordCodger]

which tells me I'm looking at aluminum. Something from the heads maybe?

More likely the pistons.

[Whatnext]

I would say it was none of the above.
So would sugest the motor internals are holding out so far. But would suggest, the particles are from meshing drive gears, pull the distributor out and have a look at the drive gears for a start.

[Brian R.]

Drive gears are always steel, not aluminum. They cannot be the problem. Although it's possible that it's the distributor gear rubbing on the housing.

I think the likely choice is some thrust clearance has gotten out of hand and some gear or shaft is rubbing on the heads (or possibly as I said above, the distributor housing). Pull the head cover(s) off and see if you can see a deposit of aluminum in the head area. My best guess is the cam gears rubbing on the head. Also, pull the distributor and see if the housing is worn at the bottom.

[RIP]

Thanks for the inputs. Keep them coming. I've resigned myself to the fact this engine is on it's last days or... is that the wrong attitude? If it is a head issue and I have to replace it I'm thinking a $grand. I'm thinking if it's in the bottom somewhere...forget it. Am I far off?

[Whatnext]

Yep drive gears are hopfully steel, doesn't mean they won't shred though.
I always see metal particles in a manual or Auto gearbox. Even my outboard gearbox, always a small amount of metal particles.

All just normal wear really, unless there badly aligned, then they will chop out a lot quicker. But as you know that's only half of it, those particles will wear through your bearings, bores and maybe help cause a blockage in the oil lines. That's the bad bit.

[Brian R.]

He had said that they were non-magnetic. That makes them babbit or aluminum. No way they're steel.

[JOET/CAMRY]

Originally Posted by RIP

I brought this up a while back. Here it is again. I've got and 87 Camry Wagon with 240K+ miles. Nearly two years ago I noticed metal chips in the oil. I flushed the system and since am still seeing chips at oil changes. I drive it 70-75mph. The only thing I've changed is I change the oil every 3K instead of 5K miles. I've fully expected this engine to eat itself by now. Has anyone had a similar experience? Are these engines that tough?

I know I know....big bump from 10-18-2006.

So RIP, I understand from a recent post of yours You decided to say goodbye (sell) your 1987 Camry wagon. Didn't think it would reach the 300,000 mile club status with all the metal chips in the oil with each oil change you did, or just wanted to unload the car before the engine went kaput. My 1989 Camry has 221,000 miles on the odometer and hopefully will reach the 300,000 mile mark someday. I notice when I change my engine oil that it has tiny metal chips in the oil. hopefully it won't get much worse. time will tell.

Regards,
JOET/CAMRY

[RIP]

Ya, it was becoming a permanent fixure in the driveway. About all I did with it for nearly a year was start it up and swing it around the block a couple times a month. Wife said it was time to say goodbye. Re-registration was coming up so I got rid of it. Sold the car to a friend of mine's daughter last month. I told him all about it. He's a another DIYer and wasn't too concerned. It's still running great. Will let you know if it eventually bites it. Take care of yours. Apparently these engines can take quite a bit.

[2000izusu]

i used to have an odd fire buick 231 that "made metal" for years before it finally developed a knock. please keep us posted since you know who owns it! mike