Metal Flake in Oil - Low Oil Pressure - Next Steps?

zisfor_nizmo

Hello All!

I'm in a bit of a pickle, and am unsure what the best course of action is here. I have a 2009 370z with just over 94,000 miles now.

At my last oil change (4,000 interval). I noticed metal flake in the bottom of my oil pan, I have attached pictures of this. Big red flag. Car was immediately parked for the foreseeable future, oil from that change was sent to Blackstone immediately. For reference, I've done 2/3 oil changes this year (Including a trip to TOD and a Track day) with clean oil every time.

Oil analysis report came back for the large part normal, no crazy amount of metal in the 10-15 micron range that Blackstone Tests in. Aluminum is slightly elevated (I believe the shavings to be aluminum as well). Oil Analysis report is attached as well.


Following the Report, next step was an oil pressure test, this is where I got a big shock. I was reading about 6/7 psi at idle and about 24 psi at 2000 rpm before reaching operating temp (measured at about 145/150 degrees F). Car goes back to being parked.

I plan to Borescope to take a look at the Cylinder walls. My guess is this is where the metal flakes came from. This is yet to be done.


My thinking here is that odds are, low oil pressure caused by the gallery gaskets going out is what caused the metal flake in my oil. My oil pressure is reading very low but I did not get a CEL or oil pressure light on my dash at any point. The car also, to the best of my knowledge, doesn't appear to be running differently or making any noises (during oil pressure test).

What is best course of action here, should I get the motor torn open to confirm/replace the failed gallery gaskets? Is it even worth doing this on the motor after seeing the amount of metal in the oil, oil analysis shows there isn't much slow wear happening on internals? Or Should I be looking for a replacement motor/rebuild instead and completely chalk the current motor.

Looking for advice here from some Z owners who have experience in this area.


- A very concerned Z owner

Attached Images

	OilAnlysis.PNG (72.5 KB, 28 views)
	IMG_7895 (1).jpg (443.2 KB, 58 views)
	IMG_7896 (1).jpg (317.4 KB, 62 views)