Metal shavings in oil but engine runs great.

[BlueSedan]

So i did my oil and there was little metal shavings in the oil catch pan after i emptied the catch pan. The engine however runs great and revs very happily. Does not have any knocks or rattles. Only thing that’s making noise is the valves hitting the cast iron head. (Does not have valve seats and runs on leaded.)

Should i worry or keep driving it?

Also if i spin a bearing mid driving, can you drive it like it is back home?

I suspect that having metal shavings is pretty much a problem that will not go away and get bigger over time.

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[Richard Kirshy]

Metal shavings in the oil are never a good sign.
Something is wearing excessively.
If you spin a bearing, you may make it home or you may throw a rod or snap the crank.
If your looking to retain your engine, you’ll need to find the issue and repair it.
Continuing to drive it will just increase the amount of damage being done.

[BlueSedan]

Meh, i think i’ll just throw a bigger engine in and either rebuild the old one if it’s any good or make it into a coffee table.

[Author]

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