I am pretty good about pulling my oil suction screen, and in 6 years and > 500 hours of flying, I have never found anything at all on it. Yesterday, however, during my CI oil change, I did find one small flake of non-magnetic metal in the oil, stuck to the bottom of the retaining bolt for the suction screen, as pictured below, thin and about 3/32" long. Remainder of suction screen as well as oil filter element are pristine, as usual. Compressions are all >75/80. Borescope exam is on tap for tomorrow.
A few questions -
Since I've never found anything before, I'm embarrassed to admit I don't even know which way oil flows through the screen. I had thought oil flows from the outside in, and as such particles would be trapped on the outside of the screen. Am I mistaken?
Secondly, any recommendations on a lab to send this to for analysis? I am just starting my CI, so plane is obviously grounded until I have further information.
Lastly anybody care to share similar experience and findings?
Thanks
Chris
A few questions -
Since I've never found anything before, I'm embarrassed to admit I don't even know which way oil flows through the screen. I had thought oil flows from the outside in, and as such particles would be trapped on the outside of the screen. Am I mistaken?
Secondly, any recommendations on a lab to send this to for analysis? I am just starting my CI, so plane is obviously grounded until I have further information.
Lastly anybody care to share similar experience and findings?
Thanks
Chris