Valvetrain noise and metal in oil analysis - 30K miles

[68Malibu383]

How did you take the sample? If you take a sample when the vehicle has been sitting the counts will be inflated. You need to warm up the engine then take a sample.

I took the sample after driving the truck about 30 minutes, then cut off engine to get my tools. Then, I started the engine and varied the rpm and revved up to about 2000 RPM or so for about 30 seconds, cut off engine. Then I immediately drained the oil. Very warm and very well mixed up. This is why I always do it regardless of pulling a sample or not.

 

[gixxer]

I took the sample after driving the truck about 30 minutes, then cut off engine to get my tools. Then, I started the engine and varied the rpm and revved up to about 2000 RPM or so for about 30 seconds, cut off engine. Then I immediately drained the oil. Very warm and very well mixed up. This is why I always do it regardless of pulling a sample or not.

Great way to test! Just thought I would mention.

Do you have a magnetic drain plug? That might catch some the metals

I would average out the metals over a couple of analysis' to rule out any error in testing.

However, given the noises you hear and issues (assuming it's not a manifold bolt) it wouldn't be a stretch to assume you have some issues. Maybe open up the heads to have a closer look.

 

[68Malibu383]

If anyone can tell me how to upload an MP3, I have a good recording of it. I tried to send to youtube but that did not work. The whole file is about 3 minutes long but I really only need about 50 seconds but can't figure out how to cut the audio file.