LONG Break-in

[CBDFrontier06]

I bought a Troy-Bilt mower with the 6.75 hp Briggs & Stratton engine in spring 2004 and it's seen an average amount of residential use since then. It's received an above average number of oil changes, starting just at about 2 hours into its life, using only B&S Warranty Certified oil. It's also received all it's other maintenance and runs like a top.

I did an oil change yesterday, and much to my suprise, there were shiny metal particles in the bottom of the drain pan. This is the first time I've witnessed metal coming out of this engine, even counting its first oil change. Does this seem unusual?

 

[Chispas]

You may want to re-check the air filter....

If it's letting dirt get through....

 

[CBDFrontier06]

The air filter gets changed twice per season....and the stuff behind it has remained very clean. I'm at a loss. As much care is given to this engine, I'd hate to find out it's self-destructing.

 

[Al]

I understand its prettty normal. I haven't noticed it though in my last Briggs though. I doubt there is any problem.

 

[80caprice]

It isn't normal..... mine are nice and clear...... even the one I beat the crud out of.... (brushcutting and running around 4,000 rpm) Are you using multi weight briggs oil or straight 30?

 

[Chispas]

Had a Tecumseh once that had excessive wear-in

particles....

Kerosene won't cut oil film. After the second

and third oil drain, I put kerosene in the

crankcase, violently shook the mower to spread

the kerosene....

That kerosene wash did a great job of cleaning

the residue....

 

[CBDFrontier06]

quote:

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Originally posted by 80caprice:
It isn't normal..... mine are nice and clear...... even the one I beat the crud out of.... (brushcutting and running around 4,000 rpm) Are you using multi weight briggs oil or straight 30?

---

Briggs straight 30 since it was new...until this past weekend when I switched it to Mobil 1 EP 10W-30. All the oil I've changed out has been nice and clear...still amber in color. Like my vehicles, I don't wait until the oil is worthless sludge before I dump it, so this mower is living the life of a king, as mowers go. Best oil, new platinum plug every year, several air filters per season, fresh gas, stored with Sta-bil and fresh oil....the works. I'm starting to wonder if it wouldn't prefer to be abused.

 

[Quest]

LOL!

Platinum plug every year? several air filters per season?

*...and I thought I was anale when it comes to engine maintenance...*

Q.

p.s. my Champion EZ start plug has been in my B&S block for 5 +yrs, other than regular inspections (no cleaning necessary for I then to run them lean ), no replacements being called for.

 

[JTK]

quote:

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Originally posted by CBDFrontier06:
.. there were shiny metal particles in the bottom of the drain pan...

---

Actual shavings you can feel or just *glitter*? I've seen glitter on the 3rd or 4th OCI on briggs and tecumseh engines. They still lead a long happy, trouble free life.

Joel

 

[LarryL]

If the particles came after the M1, it might of washed them out. If so, you might want to change the oil again.

 

[80caprice]

Don't really have to replace the plug every year, its more of a waste of money then good treatment. Straight 30, you might see more metal grit because of the bad cold flow of it. See how the multi weight does you.

 

[CBDFrontier06]

Kinda my point, really. Guys who do far less for their engines are having zero issues, while I'm bending over backwards and getting metal flakes in the oil after 2 1/2 seasons. Serves me right I guess. I'll just ride it out and see if anything happens. When it slings the piston against the side of the house, I'll go get a Honda.

 

[CBDFrontier06]

I saw 'glitter'...didn't actually feel the oil for grit. This came before Mobil 1.