Metal shavings on oil dip stick

you could have an oil analysis done. that would identify what kind of metal is present. bearings are made of different material than cylinders or rings.

 

Definitely not normal. Take it in and get it documented. Demand an oil change.

 

@Fearthisbeard For reference, I would say my filter housing looked something like this pic off of the web. With a flashlight, the very bottom was covered in metallic glitter. No metal specks were noticeable on the filter element itself.
Hope this gives something to compare to.

 

Metal shavings are not good. Take it in
and don’t wait. That is not cool.
If less than 8k miles, that is messed up.

 

You shouldn't have ANY metal shaving in your oil, especially that big. You mentioned that the dipstick rubs a little when you push it in. I'd file sharp edges on the dipstick then magnetize it and see if I could catch more. If you're still getting shavings get it to the dealer asap. Even if they say it is normal, make sure they document it in their system just in case.

 

If you haven't changed your oil since buying the truck, small shavings in your oil is normal. If you have changed you oil since buying the truck, you shouldn't be seeing "a bunch" of shavings. I agree with many of the other contributors that taking it to the dealer, to see what they say, is probably a good idea. If they want to charge you a bunch of money just to look at it, then I would change the oil and filter, either yourself, or at your favorite shop. I would then take a peak every week at your dipstick. As juvenile as this may sound, engines are large assemblies of metals, the parts machined to within tolerances, where no two are the same, and are subject loads and forces that inevitably create some shavings during the engine's break in period. Best of luck!

 

Exactly! That is why there is a break in procedure. Blueprinting an engine is expensive and time consuming, I don't know of any manufacturers who does it. Especially since a proper break in has the same effect

 

Haven't seen metal shavings on any of three new cars I have purchased... tacoma, element, and TSX and I did the oil changes myself. I'd agree to get it to the dealer for documentation, change the oil regardless if they will do it or not, and ask to see the filter for reference.

 

Very common issue for this truck. Nothing to worry about. It’s in my dipstick every time. As the tube is inserted or pulled out it becomes slightly magnetic and scrapes the side of the tube causing metal to come off and still to dipstick. Worry not! Seriously. Worry not.

My oil filter canister had some shinny specs in the bottom at 1.5k and at 5 k. Less at 5k. Nothing to worry about.

 

OP - I'd schedule the oil change with the dealership ASAP. It doesn't matter if it's not exactly 10,000 miles. However they will call it the 10,000 mile oil change... no big deal. We get two changes so it doesn't seem to matter when it happens. At least this has been my experience with my dealership. They can also base service on time and not mileage.

Also there are folks on TW that go and get their first oil change at the first 5,000 miles...even if it means paying out of pocket. And for the very reason you have, to "flush" metal particles and whatever other stuff that wears off during the break in period.

Either way show your service point of contact person the pics you took. Some of those folks have had tech backgrounds.

 

Yikes.

If you wipe it off and try again, does it come out with more? Over and over?

Definitely could be the dipstick scraping the tube. If it goes in smoothly, and doesn’t scratch...there may be something happening.

 

fixed it for ya!

 

Please keep us posted. Good luck to you!

 

I'm thinking this is it, the more I have been looking at it, this dip stick is scraping hard, sometimes to the point where I have to really force it in. I have been trying only going half way down and not hit any oil and when I pull it back out I can see metal shavings. Going to still see the dealer just in case to cover my ass but I will be sleeping a little better tonight.

I'll update on anything they say.

Thanks for the info and responses all!

 

I don't have that issue on my 18. I have not done a oil change yet at 5300 miles, but this gives me an idea. I am going to magnetize the end of my dipstick and see what I get!

 

How is anyone supposed to "make the dealer strain the oil"? Really?

 

I'm my opinion, you gotta change the oil and filter early on any new car. I just did it at 435 in my 19 OR but I usually do 500. Why?
Piece of mind because you dont know how long factory fill has been in.
I like to look underneath and fluid film/check stuff out
Most importantly, it removes those metal shavings that could potentially get circulated around.
I'll change it again in another 1000 or so.

 

Due to my low mileage, I only get 1 oil change a year. I'm due any day now for my 1st one, but only have 10k on it. Since Toyota recommends 16k between oil changes, I'm glad I'm doing it early. (16k kilometres is 10k miles US)

 

maybe they can use a paper coffee filter

 

Metal shavings in the oil isn’t uncommon at all. Change the oil and inspect the filter. Check the material with a magnet and if it sticks you may have an issue. If the material is copper colored it’s likely bearing material and you do indeed have an issue. If it’s aluminum and not excessive, it’s likely from the machining and assembly process. Does it have any other symptoms? Noises etc..?