Copper/Gold color particles in oil?

[Eam0885]

Recently I have notcied a slight nocking noise in what sounds like the lower half of the engine. The engine is a 2002 3.0L Flex engine that has 136,000 miles on it and runs great with no previous problems. I changed the oil yesterday and noticed that there was a fair amount of Gold/Copper colored particles (metel) in the oil. What would this be? My guess its particles from a bearing race, but not sure. Also, in the past I noticed my oil pressure gauge would go very eratic after running on the expressway then comeing to a stop when exiting the eway, this problem has seemed to subside. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[JP02XLT]

I think your correct in your guess, If you really want to know look up Blackstone Labs, they do oil analysis & can tell you everything that is in the oil

http://www.blackstone-labs.com/index.php

JP02XLT

 

[01_ranger_4x4]

id be willing to bet your cam synchro is wearing out. its the gear that meshes with the cam and spins your oil pump. the synchro is made of brass so that would explain the gold metal particles in the oil. i would def have it checked out asap.

 

[Eam0885]

Thank you for the responses, I greatly appreciate it. I will deffenitly have the Synchro checked out. thanks

 

[Rearanger]

01_ranger_4x4 may well be correct. You'll need to be sure what the material is and where it's coming from. If you didn't save any of your old oil then it'll be hard to send a worthwhile sample to Blackstone Labs for accurate analysis. Read the article below where it describes "Bearing Materials".
http://www.aa1car.com/library/ar797.htm