The car received a new oil and filter change when bought used and have driven it 300 miles. Noticed it was slightly overfilled and drained about 100ml from the drain plug into a clean pan. And noticed a lot of shiny particles in oil.
is this normal on a used engine? I have never seen this before.


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This is not normal, keep driving and keep an eye on the oil level.

 

Thanks much, I figured as much.
I have ordered an oil testing kit and are going to cut open the filter. Cutting tool is on order.
The engine runs smooth and no check engine light, confusing.

 

+1. It's not concerning to a point where you should be worried about the motor being ruined or anything. Please keep us posted on the oil analysis.

 

Do you know if the dealership drains it via the drain plug or via a vacuum system from above? If they don't drain it from the plug, there could be excess stuff in the pan. You're most likely to get particles like this at the start when draining and then at the very end. All sampling procedures say to avoid getting a sample from the initial draw. If you get a lot of "glitter" after repeated oil changes, it definitely isn't good.

 

I don’t know, I am the 3rd owner. First owner leased it and all maintenance was done at the dealer ship according to Carfax. 2nd owner racked up 60kmiles in 2 years during 2020-2022 no service records available in Carfax.
The attached picture is from the 2nd drain after a short drive. After the first drain I saw larger particles and chalked it up to the over tightened drain plug. Crush washer was protruding into the oil pan. Decided to drain the oil to flush the pan out and put new oil in. But I overfilled it too and drained again after a short ride and took the picture that I posted.

 

Send a oil analysis sample to https://www.blackstone-labs.com after 550 miles before the warranty ran out. Took the sample half way the oil drain per instructions. The report did not show signs of accelerated wear. See attached photo. And decided not to pursue the engine tear down to find the possible source. The dealer cost was 5k and wouldn’t be covered under warranty.
I will do another sample at the next oil change.

 

Well, decided to drain some oil from the pan after 2k miles of driving. Left the car sitting over the weekend before attempting this, unfortunately same thing over again, drained about a quart and full with same sparkly metal particles in the oil. This time also some finer particles as well.
I am stumped, no oil consumption, no noises, plenty of power. Don’t know how long it will last.
contemplating if I should replace the engine. Used engines are plentiful and not that expensive like for example for the odyssey. But I have to do it on my sloped driveway by myself.
Any tips what the best way would be? Dropping the sub frame with engine and transmission or remove the engine from the top? Yes I did watch the posted YouTube video from Rainman’s repair, but I have no lift.

 

If a sparkly appears, then I would first check the oil pressure, if the pressure is OK, then I would remove the oil pan and check the condition of the connecting rod and crankshaft bearings, if the pressure is weak, I would remove the oil pump to check. Change the engine for last.

 

Why not send a sample out for analysis to see what metals are in the oil? That could help you narrow down what is wearing.

 

Thanks much for your response, can you check the crank shaft bearings with the engine in the car? Looking at the 2012 Honda Odyssey you need to disassemble more than the oil pan.

 

yes I may do this again, sofar its gold colored and non magnetic. Most likely bearing material.

 

Why don't you also cut open an oil filter and take a look at the pleats inside.. Its odd that blackstone detected nothing you would think that they would measure some levels of metal wear after 500 miles. Worst comes to worst put in some highmilage 5w or a 10w oil and keep driving??

 

I did have the dealership cut open the oil filter after I purchased the tool for them. Oddly no particles in inside the filter but some black sludge. We did compared it with a 9k used oil filter and that was clean.
I am going to send out another sample to black stone when I have some more miles accumulated.
FYI did an oil change on a 2012 odyssey with 190k miles, no sparkles.

 

Here's a good article on possible causes for the glitter in the oil: https://blogproautomotive.com/glitter-in-engine-oil/

The fact that nothing was picked up during your last oil analysis is a good thing. I woudl keep tracking it for now. Are you having any other issues?

 

no issues, good mpg, power no ticking noises.

 

Performed an oil pressure test, after sourcing a M10x1.5 to 1/4 npt adapter. This was not included in the Harbor Freight kit. The results are:

90 psi cold idling /start up
30 psi operating temp idling
84 psi 183F @3000 rpm

referencing a 2012 Honda Odyssey repair manual.
at 176F
10psi min at idle
71.1 psi min at 3000 rpm.

Looks like the oil pressure is sufficient.

 

Problem solved. Found a 52k miles replacement engine from a rear ended 2016 RDX for $650. Bought a used mid rise scissor lift, engine hoist, engine stand and large jack stands. A Steering wheel lock, subframe alignment pin and exhaust gaskets. Downloaded the replacement procedure from the Honda and took time from work to do the engine swap. I opted for dropping the subframe with engine and transmission, like shown in the youtube video linked in this forum. The advantage is the front wheel suspension with the drive axles can stay in place with the transmission. Also putting back the replacement engine was fairly quick with the subframe as a reference. Also the best option using an scissor lift. Attached some pictures of the swap. The car is back together, idle relearn done, CKP pattern relearn completed and steering reset. Transmission refilled and checked the fluid level. Nothing broken and everything is back in place.
I am planning on opening up the old engine to take a look at the main bearings. Planning on parting out the engine


Engine and transmission dropped

Removing the good parts from the old engine

Empty engine bay

Ready to remove the old engine

 

Have you seriously replaced the engine due to wear debris in the oil? That is, he didn’t even start knocking, right?
There is a suspicion that you will take it apart and not see any wear there.

 

I'm not following the logic. Maybe we were not aware of something. The oil tested fine, the engine tested fine, there were no noises reported - but the engine was swapped. I don't get it.

 

I purchased this car to be a reliable replacement for my 2006 Volvo xc70 with 210kmiles.
Drained the oil 4x and found 3 times bearing material in the oil. And probably a 4th time when checking the old engine.
I cannot sell the car without disclosing it. And trading in would set me back 8k without even mentioning it.
I have roughly spent $800-$1000 in the swap, besides my time and don’t have to worry about anymore and enjoy the car, that’s my logic.

 

Fair enough! I'm sure it will be reliable for you in the future. Enjoy the car!

 

Well replacing the engine was one option... Did you check for camshaft wear? It was somewhat of an issue on the 2008 gen accords with the same engine pitting and spalling..or drop the pan to check the bearings while it was in the car. Anwsys glad you have it back on the road but im very curious what it was. Used cars can be tough when you dont have oil change history.