shavings in leg oil

[oceanpro]

At the last leg oil change of my Johnson 115 I noticed that on the end drain screw there was a small amount of what I could best desribe as 'iron filings'. The srew is magnetic. Should I be unduly worried?

[Dirk Diggler]

That's a first, An RYA approved instructor who doesn't know everything!!

Metal in your oil, Oh Oh.

[nickjaxe]

If it were only a very small amount I would not be to botherd, but would keep a close eye on it for a while and the coulor of the oil, but I would think theres bound to be particals as things bed in and were takes place, and thats what the magnetic plugs is there for.

Nick.

[gavin]

I think this is fine I have had this with various engines, Its normal wear and tear the magnetic plug reduces the amount of swarf going about in the box, its nothing to worry about and very common.

[jwalker]

Originally posted by oceanpro
At the last leg oil change of my Johnson 115 I noticed that on the end drain screw there was a small amount of what I could best desribe as 'iron filings'. The srew is magnetic. Should I be unduly worried?

If you mean you've changed the oil many times before and there was no metal then, yes you should be worried. If it is the first time the oil has been changed then, no you shouldn't. But, keep an eye on it. The magnet is present because this happens in normal use. Most of it is likely to be from the corners of the dog clutch. Each time you change gear there'll be a couple more particles into the oil.

[oceanpro]

Thanks for all who contributed. You've pretty much confirmed what I thought.

Cheers Phil

[jwalker]

Which is?

[oceanpro]

Keep an eye on it. Bearing in mind JWs thoughts I'll try & contact previous owner to see if he experienced the same.