Metal on drain plug magnet

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

LargeSarge

TYF Newbie
Joined
Feb 11, 2023
Posts
6
Reaction score
15
I bought a 2006 used 5.3 engine with 74,000 miles. It comes with a one-year warranty. Pulled the oil pan plug and this is what I found. Am I being paranoid or do you think I might be in trouble?

The rest of the engine looks great. Hardly any varnish. The bottom end is nice and clean. I took one of those endoscope cameras and looked around. It looks really healthy but this has me a bit worried.

20230510_201538.jpg20230510_201635.jpg20230510_201945.jpg20230510_202004.jpg20230510_202031.jpg
 

OR VietVet

Multnomah Falls
Supporting Member
Military
Joined
Oct 8, 2014
Posts
19,076
Reaction score
31,183
Location
Willamette Valley
Dirty oil and chunky. Looks like some bearing grit there. May not have been real good about oil change intervals and may have used nothing but conventional motor oil. I have seen synthetic oil with 25k miles on it that looked better than that sludge on that plug. It may turn out to be just fine but you are right to be concerned.
 

Joseph Garcia

Supporting Member
Joined
Aug 2, 2018
Posts
6,394
Reaction score
8,325
Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the truck, please.

You are already receiving sage advice from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.
 
OP
OP
L

LargeSarge

TYF Newbie
Joined
Feb 11, 2023
Posts
6
Reaction score
15
Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the truck, please.

You are already receiving sage advice from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.
Truck is a 2005 GMC Yukon SLT with 188k miles. Seller got me good. Lied to me, deleted codes, and hid problems. Black markered over the ABS light is one of the many things he did. Long story but its a project now and I thought I have a decent motor to replace the one that is going out. I included some pics of the old motor that I am about to pull. The last pic is the 74k motor with the gunk on the oil drain plug magnet. Thanks for the welcome and help.
 

Attachments

  • 324480372_894887951825660_3209565523608627434_n.jpg
    324480372_894887951825660_3209565523608627434_n.jpg
    334.8 KB · Views: 10
  • 343715991_797361425118271_7963818965625556148_n.jpg
    343715991_797361425118271_7963818965625556148_n.jpg
    303 KB · Views: 12
  • 343423328_765976795188196_8877166065074007536_n.jpg
    343423328_765976795188196_8877166065074007536_n.jpg
    394.7 KB · Views: 13
  • 343717992_898935751199738_8457958589507423904_n.jpg
    343717992_898935751199738_8457958589507423904_n.jpg
    368.8 KB · Views: 11
  • 343231770_787550726313487_2007437605137406411_n.jpg
    343231770_787550726313487_2007437605137406411_n.jpg
    419.5 KB · Views: 11
Last edited:

rockola1971

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2016
Posts
2,376
Reaction score
2,972
Location
Indiana (formerly IL)
Well that engine was severely abused. Obviously the previous owner didnt get the oil changed much at all. With minor shavings on plug that would be normal but BRO! You got CHUNKS. That aint normal at all. That means that engine is on its way off to go be with god. Maybe not this month, maybe not in 3 months but it likely wont make it to next summer. It took alot of abuse to get those heads to look that bad.
 

ivin74

05 NBS Nali
Joined
Aug 3, 2014
Posts
2,262
Reaction score
2,306
Location
Htown, Texas
Truck is a 2005 GMC Yukon SLT with 188k miles. Seller got me good. Lied to me, deleted codes, and hid problems. Black markered over the ABS light is one of the many things he did. Long story but its a project now and I thought I have a decent motor to replace the one that is going out. I included some pics of the old motor that I am about to pull. The last pic is the 74k motor with the gunk on the oil drain plug magnet. Thanks for the welcome and help.
I'll be asking for a refund, the engine is shit. With that much sludge, I bet the engine oil passages on the bearings and the block are plugged. Good luck
 

RaiderRodney

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 16, 2016
Posts
187
Reaction score
156
Location
Burnsville, NC
Honestly, if it were me before I started with rebuilding I'd probably dump a bottle of seafoam in it and run it for a few miles and dump the oil. Fill her up with some budget (if there is such a thing these days) dino oil and add another bottle of seafoam for a few more miles. Then change out with your oil of choice, maybe some new plugs, and a good filter and see how she does.

Yes that is a ton of abuse but these engines are known for being bullet proof so why not see how long it can go!?
 
Top