Author Topic: Weird tiny metal balls on magnet in drain plug (Read 8617 times)

toaster404 · « **on:** May 22, 2017, 05:20:51 PM »

1400 Cal. I am used to a little fine fuzz on the magnet. I had a coating of little (maybe 0.1 or 0.2 mm) balls on the magnet. Very uniform. They don't look like any wear product I've ever seen. Something left over from machining or blasting perhaps? Any suggestions? I didn't see any issue with the oil coming out.

pehayes · « **Reply #1 on:** May 22, 2017, 06:26:13 PM »

would be nice.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

toaster404 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 22, 2017, 06:35:27 PM »

Didn't want to grab camera while oily. Very small things anyway, likely hard to shoot. Will be interesting to see whether there are more next oil change.

Penderic · « **Reply #3 on:** May 22, 2017, 06:50:30 PM »

Steel cut oats?

twowings · « **Reply #4 on:** May 22, 2017, 06:59:29 PM »

If it's running good, don't f*** with love...

SportsterDoc · « **Reply #5 on:** May 22, 2017, 07:16:25 PM »

What type of bearing cages are used in the 1400 Cal motor?
If plastic, the cage could wear/disintegrate and create problems for the ball bearings.
More of a question, than an answer.

http://www.astbearings.com/ball-bearing-cages-retainers-ball-separators.html

rodekyll · « **Reply #6 on:** May 22, 2017, 09:43:27 PM »

Pretty sure it won't be bearing cages.

WAG --- either microwelding from the engine innards rubbing without oil or (more likely) leftover weld beads from building the frame have migrated down the oil return tubes.

pete roper · « **Reply #7 on:** May 23, 2017, 12:05:01 AM »

The only rolling element bearings in the motor are the ones supporting the idler shaft. The back one is a needle roller and the front one is a 2RS ball race and the balls would be 6-8mm.

Cali doesn't use frame as condensor either so nothing from the frame could easily get in the sump.

Pete

toaster404 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 23, 2017, 06:11:10 AM »

Apparently an oddball thing. I'll continue to worry and monitor! They're so uniform I suspect something from manufacture still rolling around.

pete roper · « **Reply #9 on:** May 23, 2017, 06:31:52 AM »

Pics!

Can't help with just descriptions!

If you replace the oil with unicorn tears it might help!

yogidozer · « **Reply #10 on:** May 23, 2017, 06:43:00 AM »

You haven't been riding with this fella, have ya?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsL7PWOLgtE

toaster404 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 23, 2017, 04:03:29 PM »

I don't know how I would photograph these anyway. Maybe I can scrape some out of the magnet plug. They're really tiny.

nc43bsa · « **Reply #12 on:** May 23, 2017, 04:08:57 PM »

Sounds like MIG welding slag to me.

Are they magnetic? Are they all the same size?

toaster404 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 23, 2017, 08:47:56 PM »

Quote from: nc43bsa on May 23, 2017, 04:08:57 PM

Sounds like MIG welding slag to me.

Are they magnetic? Are they all the same size?

Yes. Oddly uniform and very tiny. If they don't increase in number I will ignore them. All kinds of crap comes out of new engines. Should have cut open the filter, but I'm tired.

nc43bsa · « **Reply #14 on:** May 23, 2017, 10:28:21 PM »

They might be steel shot if they are magnetic and the same size.

Do you know if the engine has been apart since it left the factory?

toaster404 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 24, 2017, 06:00:37 AM »

Engine has not been apart.

Two Checks · « **Reply #16 on:** May 24, 2017, 06:38:49 AM »

If you use Castrol its the liquid ball bearings.

redhawk47 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 25, 2017, 01:06:22 AM »

It is possible that the factory uses steel shot blasting to clean the casting or to shot peen the crank or other parts and didn't clean it properly. Perhaps they got stuck in an oil passageway.

Rough Edge racing · « **Reply #18 on:** May 25, 2017, 05:38:20 AM »

Quote from: toaster404 on May 23, 2017, 08:47:56 PM

Yes. Oddly uniform and very tiny. If they don't increase in number I will ignore them. All kinds of crap comes out of new engines. Should have cut open the filter, but I'm tired.

There should be nothing in a new engine other than fine metallic dust stuck to the magnet..These engines aren't assembled on a garage floor but in a manufacturing plant that should be a reasonable clean environment..Or maybe the workers are pissed off and doing a sloppy job ?
These tiny balls are for sure attracted to the magnet?

Penderic · « **Reply #19 on:** May 25, 2017, 08:21:56 AM »

Oh no! Is somebody in the company smuggling those little tiny balls again?

toaster404 · « **Reply #20 on:** May 25, 2017, 05:23:58 PM »

Tiny balls are magnetic. I found the oil filter, will cut up and retrieve what's in it. Take to dealer. Ask what's what!

guzzisteve · « **Reply #21 on:** May 25, 2017, 05:37:21 PM »

How about out of the oil cooler.

JJ · « **Reply #22 on:** May 25, 2017, 05:43:09 PM »

OK - I am no motor expert...but would definitely be "concerned" if, when changing my oil / filter...found "weird tiny metal balls" clinging to my drain plug....

WTF is up with that?!?

lucian · « **Reply #23 on:** May 25, 2017, 06:24:38 PM »

I think the balls are magnetic only because they were stuck to the drain magnet for a period. I wouldn't loose any sleep over it but I would inform your dealer and have him note it on your service history.

toaster404 · « **Reply #24 on:** May 26, 2017, 11:03:10 PM »

I retrieved the old filter and will open it when I have a chance. Bike did fine today - 335 miles of Interstate at up to 85 and city (Marietta) at maddening hot. And home at night. Fun stuff. If I can get closeup pictures I will.

Put that Edge 10W60 in. Engine seems very very happy.

News:

Author Topic: Weird tiny metal balls on magnet in drain plug (Read 8617 times)

Penderic

twowings

pete roper

pete roper

Rough Edge racing

Penderic