How much metal in used oil is normal?

[trashysquid]

An awkward sounding question, but I ask since I saw a small amount of fine metal shavings (about .5mm or less) on the magnetic oil plug I got for my V while changing the oil today. 5K miles on the clock for a crate 2009.

Also wondering if I should change the coolant since the bike is three years old even though it's low miles, and debating whether or not to buy a Therm-o-Bob since I ride no matter what (it's finally cold in south Texas now)...thanks.

[MTS]

My two cents! Metal shavings in first 10k is ok. These bikes are tight!

Stock load antifreeze is really good! Change per manual!

Thermobob! Yes!

[Fastoman]

At 5K you should not get metal in oil. Keep monitoring &

[ScottyNeal]

I got a small amount of metal filings on my magnetic drain plug up to 10,000 miles. Nothing much after that. I still get various kinds of small debris in the drained oil, and I'm nearing 20,000 miles; and the bike is continues to run great.

[invader]

Originally Posted by trashysquid

An awkward sounding question, but I ask since I saw a small amount of fine metal shavings (about .5mm or less) on the magnetic oil plug I got for my V while changing the oil today. 5K miles on the clock for a crate 2009.

Also wondering if I should change the coolant since the bike is three years old even though it's low miles, and debating whether or not to buy a Therm-o-Bob since I ride no matter what (it's finally cold in south Texas now)...thanks.

So it's the second oil change? What mileage was the first one at?

Bike and coolant are now just over 4 years old. Manufacturing month and year is on VIN sticker. The original coolant is not usually long-life, so it is due.

[fdale]

The coolant does not break down, but the additive package it contains does. So a good rule of thumb is every 2 years.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic and so should be changed because it will absorb water - takes it from the air - so I do mine at the same time as antifreeze.

Engine oil every 5000 Km

[David RSparky3]

If you change the oil when its HOT, it helps get the stuff out from initial running.

First oil change I get a whole bunch of junk.
A little in the second, then almost none after that.

Second oil change for me is 1,000 miles.

David

[trashysquid]

Originally Posted by invader

So it's the second oil change? What mileage was the first one at?

Bike and coolant are now just over 4 years old. Manufacturing month and year is on VIN sticker. The original coolant is not usually long-life, so it is due.

This is oil change #4 (400, 2000, 3347, 4947). I change it when the oil gets really dark in the sight glass. Might seem excessive, but I like working on the bike. I'm also running Shell Rotella-T 15-40. Also noticed that my local Wally-world quit carrying the ST7317 (longer) filters, so I might have to go online now.....