Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I changed the engine oil in a Toro 421Q snowblower.  First time at 2.5 hours, then again at 5 hours, per the manual recommendation.  I noticed both times there are glitter specs in the oil.  The engine is a Loncin 163cc engine.  Is it normal to continue seeing glitter specs at the second oil change? 

My other engine is a Honda GX340 which I changed the oil a couple times since new and did not see any glitter. 

jrtrebor wrote:
That might be the case.  The filings are light silver in color.

no matter which material it is steel or aluminum it will pretty much look the same when it is that fine.  If you are concerned, and I wouldn't be at this point you can send a sample of the oil to Blackstone labs for testing and they will give you a comprehensive report and even tell you if your particular engine is showing more PPM of any of the metals then the norm for that engine.

AA335,

I am sure the glitter coming out of your Toro is just normal and nothing to worry about.  At least you can see it.  If you have gotten 2-stroke engine, you would not have to worry about that glitter and a hassel of oil change. But then again not sure where the glitter goes.

Yeah, I'm not to worried about it  It does seem odd that i can still see it after second oil change.

So are you done blowing the snow or the wind is going to give you some more work tomorrow?

MN_Runner wrote:
It's done. 

I feel bad for my sister in law as her family lives in Naperville and they don't have a blower. 

fleetfoot wrote:

Exactly. Not only is it bad fuel, it makes zero economic sense on many levels.

Does the glitter stick to a magnet?....

magnetic= iron  (bearings and steel walled cylinders or crankshaft/crank gears)

no sticky means = Aluminum rod or aluminum case material or aluminum cylinder material...

If it is REAL glitter,  It may have came off your hands after touching that stripper at the club.....

Good Luck,

Friiy

friiy wrote:
I'll try to assess the glitter origin after a few more oil changes to diagnose potential problems.  I assume after some use and oil changes, the glitter will be flushed out and won't see anymore new particles.

If the real glitter came from touching stripper at the club, that's a lot glitter and I'm sure I won't have time to post here or snowblow the driveway.  :)  In any case, I have no recollection of such activity, Senator!