Glittery specs in oil catch can

[SnakeMaster16]

Hello all,

Doing a routine check of the oil catch can, in my case a JLT 3.0, noticed some very fine shiny particles on the bottom as I moved the oil around. Obviously I am concerned this has something to do with degradation somewhere in the engine, but I'm a mechanical noob and hopefully it means nothing. Anyone have this happen before? By chance could the Ceratec I add to the oil be causing those specs to appear? Any opinions welcomed. Thanks!

2020 GT with 8572 miles, light mods including FP intake, throttle body and tune, running 93 and last oil changed with Penzoil Ultra Platinum 5W-30.

Sponsored

 

[cynicalwill]

Hello all,

Doing a routine check of the oil catch can, in my case a JLT 3.0, noticed some very fine shiny particles on the bottom as I moved the oil around. Obviously I am concerned this has something to do with degradation somewhere in the engine, but I'm a mechanical noob and hopefully it means nothing. Anyone have this happen before? By chance could the Ceratec I add to the oil be causing those specs to appear? Any opinions welcomed. Thanks!

2020 GT with 8572 miles, light mods including FP intake, throttle body and tune, running 93 and last oil changed with Penzoil Ultra Platinum 5W-30.

Pictures?

 

[WD Pro]

I’ve seen another thread with this exact issue on here before - I ‘think’ the general consensus was that it was OK and just remnants of the machining process finding their way out.

Defo find that other thread and have a read

I suppose one way of looking at it is that if you didn’t have the catch can, you would have been none the wiser …

WD

 

[ORRadtech]

My understanding is a catch can captures and "distills" oil vapors. If that's truly the case I can't imagine metal particles big enough to hurt anything being airborne.
If you're seriously concerned order a Blackstone Labs oil analysis bottle and send them a sample at your next oil change. That will definitively tell you exactly what is in your oil and is a huge help for guaging engine health.
Why worry and fret when a few dollars will tell you exactly?

 

[ice445]

Sometimes this is just from the filter of the can itself.

 

[SnakeMaster16]

Pictures?

I tried getting some but they were small enough it was hard to get them in focus or even to appear clearly. I can try in the sunlight tomorrow.

 

[SnakeMaster16]

My understanding is a catch can captures and "distills" oil vapors. If that's truly the case I can't imagine metal particles big enough to hurt anything being airborne.
If you're seriously concerned order a Blackstone Labs oil analysis bottle and send them a sample at your next oil change. That will definitively tell you exactly what is in your oil and is a huge help for guaging engine health.
Why worry and fret when a few dollars will tell you exactly?

I just sent in a request for the kit! When it's time for the change I definitely will send that in. Appreciate the idea!

 

[SnakeMaster16]

Sometimes this is just from the filter of the can itself.

That would definitely be the best possible scenario haha

 

[Hack]

Frankly I would be worried. I've never seen metal glitter in anything but a torched engine.

But maybe it's normal and you are seeing teensy tiny things that I would have overlooked.

Are you hearing any unusual noises, or does the engine sound normal? Does it still make good power?

 

[ice445]

That would definitely be the best possible scenario haha

As above, metal particles can't really be carried through the PCV system, so it's a safe bet that it's just the can itself that's creating those particles, which is why they get trapped in the can. On my mishimoto I've seen a few bronze flakes from the filter. I believe the J&L can has a steel mesh filter in the outlet port that can create these shavings.

To be super safe, take off the hose to your PCV valve and have a look inside. If you see just oil, you should be fine. Also peek inside the lines.

 

[WD Pro]

I’ve seen another thread with this exact issue on here before - I ‘think’ the general consensus was that it was OK and just remnants of the machining process finding their way out.

Defo find that other thread and have a read

I suppose one way of looking at it is that if you didn’t have the catch can, you would have been none the wiser …

WD

Found it :

https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/threads/metal-flakes-in-catch-can.182042/#post-3669288

Pretty sure I have also read another thread on here that blamed the threads on the metal screw together type cans

WD

 

[Skye]

I've experienced similar specks in my catch can (J&L OSC). I continue to have zero issues of any kind. All measurements, checks and operating performance are normal.

Oil analysis attached; it's normal. My analysis mirrors others posted here and elsewhere for a new Ford: high copper and silicon.

I've also attached a document explaining the different metals and elements found in an analysis, along with their possible sources.

My belief is the specks of metal are from the screen material in the separator itself.

Regarding high copper content in the engine analysis of a new engine, I've found several threads in multiple forums reporting same in Ford V8s (Mustangs, F-150s, etc.), catch can or not. New parts seating, machining leftovers, etc. There is also the effect of "passivation", when untreated copper (engine parts, coolers, tubing, etc.) encounters engine oil, and some copper is leached in the process.

I'll have another analysis done with the next oil change and post in the Forum.

I have a J&L OSC oil separator, passenger side. I do not use one on the driver's side.

Last week, I removed and inspected the oil separator canister. I was surprised to see small metal specks within. The canister itself had maybe a tablespoon / 14.7 cc of fluid inside, possibly more. Below are two photos.

The first photo was taken at 250 mi / 402 km. I didn't notice it at the time, but there are small metal specks of material present then.

The second photo was taken at 1172 mi / 1886 km. The canister has been rattled to distribute the material, to give me an idea of amount seen. There appears to have been an increase since the first reading.

I have not measured the amount of metal material collected, but will do so at first oil change.

Studying other threads on different forums, these specks seem to be somewhat common. The vehicle make, model or engine does not matter. Many owners see these materials consistently, in varying amounts. No owner has reported engine problems. For the drivers which have performed oil analysis and reported back, they have gotten good tests.

There are two ideas as to what these metal particles are: 1) break-in material from the engine and/or 2) material from the separator itself.

I expect break-in material to be seen, especially in the first oil change (as soon as this month). The engine is new, I have a MT and I do often use rev matching. An MT and rev matching would produce many more changes in vacuum (more "sucking" events) through the PCV. The specks are small. What's interesting to me is the particles are very uniform in size.

I did not study the separator mechanism itself before installing. I remember there was a very fine mesh screen in the upper section I briefly touched and then left alone. Some say the specks are simply from this screen and "brillo pad" like material used within. Part of the manufacturing process, the harmonics of the engine rattling the can, etc.

Other tells? Zero. Performance, oil levels, engine temps, sounds, gas mileage, etc., are all same. The car has been flawless since taking receipt.

When checking oil (engine hot, level ground, sitting 10 mins), it's full. Right at the top of the "X" marks. The oil is so clear I often have to hold the dipstick in the light, moving it, to see where the oil is.

Concerns? None. Until I witness any tells of a problem, I'm not doing anything other than routine maintenance, taking readings, etc.

If I do find anything negative, or gain more insight, I'll report back. I will continue to take photos and readings.

 

[Daryl333]

If you've found the need for Cera-Tec I'd be doing a Boroscope of the Cylinder walls. When the Coyote tic was very popular Cylinder wall scarring was causing Ford to replace Short blocks.
Just my OP but
this isn't something you want to be fooling around with.

 

[Skye]

Completing my second oil change today, thought I'd come back with some photos and a follow-up.

Picture 1 is from the first oil change, 1265 miles / 2035 kms. Oil analysis is posted above.

Picture 2 is from the second, 2549 miles / 4102 kms. Oil analysis kit will be sent off tomorrow.

Picture 3 was taken at 3775 miles / 6075 kms. Oil change will occur in a few weeks.

I clean out the oil catch can during the oil change. I'm accumulating 1 tbs / 15 ml at each interval. This is not a lot, but if I were to extend this several thousand miles, as with a DD, the amount being captured then becomes quite a bit.

Regarding the glitter and interest of this thread, the amount seen this time is markedly less than before. I'll post pictures of the drain plug and analysis later, but the particles seen on the drain plug look nothing like these.

My experience leads me to believe the glitter seen is from the JLT canister, leftovers from when the brillo-pad like screen assembly was created.

Edit,

Attaching a third pic today, highlighting how even less is in the can this season. I continue to consistently draw between 10-15ml each season, which, extrapolated over a 10,000 mile / 16,000 km interval, would be 1/4 cup, 59 ml.

July, 2025, Attaching fourth pic today. Over time, the glitter has become less and less. Oil analysis has proven things in the engine are OK. I continue to draw 15ml of oil each season. So...the golden glitter seems to be nothing but the catch can itself, the mesh material inside.

 

[ORRadtech]

Well, that Blackstone report should ease your mind.

Sponsored