Metal Shavings on Oil Dipstick

[red0311]

Went into Jiffy Lube to have my oil changed and they didn't change it because I had discolored oil and metal shavings on my dipstick....could this be a sign of a blown head gasket?

[95powerstroke5spd]

it could be but that means you have a serious issue if you have filings.

[Tuscany]

Your not going to have metal shavings on your dipstick from blown head gaskets. You get shavings from something coming apart in the engine. Probably needle bearings for the roller lifters or something of the such.

[red0311]

What could cause that serious of an issue?? Ive had the truck since 79,xxx and have had the oil changed every 5k miles. very easy on the engine. I do have a bully dog hooked up to it. However, I have only used it a hand full of times for only short periods. No major hauling, just a daily driver....

[Tuscany]

Like I said it could be a roller lifter needle bearing that dropped, could be a stuck lifter that wiped a cam lobe. Anything can happen. Take some pictures and show us. Might also be beneficial for you to drop the oil pan and check to see what's in the bottom of it.

[crspeedy67]

Sounds like a lifter came apart, had the same problem with mine working on replacing engine now.

[sinner6.0L]

I hate to hear stories like this. I've seen my share of metal in the oil on a 6.0 and it was always the same thing, lifter failure. It's easy enough to blame it on lack of maintenance but that's not always the case, sometimes its just a fluke.

How many miles are on the truck now? What year is it? can you read engine hours thru the instrument cluster?

[crspeedy67]

From people I have talked to this happens to about 1 in 7 because the push rods in the 6.0 were an 1/8in to long. the new replacement push rods are shorter. at least this is what i told by a few re-builders.

[twoicebergs]

Also, there have been a few crank journal bearings failures, the odd connecting rod failure and a few pistons and valve failures. Overall the motor is solid, but one-off failures do happen.