Metal shavings

[Torrac]

I recently purchased a 15, yz250fx. It was from a dealership who claimed it only had 13 hrs on it. It has seemed fine so far, however I decided to check the valve clearances last week. I noticed the very tips of the cam lobes are wearing slightly i.e., it almost looks like the plating is wearing through. I decided to change the oil which is the 4th time in about 12 hrs and had a decent amount of shavings stuck in the filter. I pulled the pre screen and didn't see much on there. I went ahead and finished the oil change, and clearances were in spec. I rode it about 2 hrs today and pulled the filter again, and a few more filing showed up. I again, removed the valve cover and nothing looks different from last week on the lobes.  It does not seem to be losing any power that I can tell, maybe a little harder starting than I would expect.  I have always checked to make sure I have oil pressure at the bolt in the head after changes. Today I even went so far as to crank it over with the oil filter off the bike and there was plenty of oil rising through the galley. I have washed and re oiled my filter after every ride as well.  I have done no noticeable gear grinding when shifting. I have attached a few photos. If you notice the very tip of the upper right cam lobe, you can see what I am seeing. That is the one that shows it the most. Is it possibly just the last bits from initial break in?  What is anybody's take on this, not sure if I am worrying too much or not. Thanks very much

Edited June 25, 2017 by Torrac

[sledneck842]

Mine had some metal in it for the first few oil changes which I was told is pretty common in the 250f's. Nothing crazy but definitely noticed it. I have a 17 yz250f.

[Torrac]

What do you think about the camshaft?

[sledneck842]

I think I see what you are talking about. I didn't pay much attention to mine. It doesn't look like anything I would worry too much about though. Ride it and check it out the next time you check your valves.

[sledneck842]

If it looked like it was chipping I would be concerned but could just be wear marks that are likely normal.

[bkoz]

I have the same wear marks on my '15. No metal in the filter though. My bike has 60hrs

[lexxu]

Same marks on the cam on mine when I checked the valves for the first time at around 10 hours. It was only "cosmetic" wear, no grooves or chipping. Btw at the same lobe as far as i remember.

[Torrac]

Thanks for the replies. I feel much better now. I'll keep an eye on it and keep checking the filter. ?

[ronbuell]

Pull the flywheel and check the magnets for ferrous metal.  If something is breaking down and its small amount, thats where you'll find it.

[FORMA MOTO]

Normal stuff.

Pull the stator and inspect the pick up for ferrous derbris.

Keep an eye on the oil 

Keep an eye on the filter

Get a mag drain plug

ride it

[motox331]

You need to remember these bikes have a singular oil source so if you are hard on the clutch you will find all that clutch stuff in the oil and filter. Top end looks normal to me but it is hard to tell when I cant see it in person.

[surfez]

Read the manual.. Its normal to find metal on new bikes, changing oil & filter for the first few oil changes... As i found when i bought my wr450f new. 

[Torrac]

6 hours ago, motox331 said:

You need to remember these bikes have a singular oil source so if you are hard on the clutch you will find all that clutch stuff in the oil and filter. Top end looks normal to me but it is hard to tell when I cant see it in person.

I do understand that, it just seemed a little excessive to me. I think my paranoia of buying a used bike makes it seem worse, at which point I start looking for problems. I've been burned before....

[motox331]

17 hours ago, Torrac said:

I do understand that, it just seemed a little excessive to me. I think my paranoia of buying a used bike makes it seem worse, at which point I start looking for problems. I've been burned before....

Like others have said, just keep an eye on it. im sure its nothing lol. I see you are form Iowa, where do you ride at out there? My fiancés family all lives in west des moines and I always want to take my bike out there but don't know anyone or anyplace to ride.

[Torrac]

We are located in marion, about 70 minutes from the quad cities. The area nearby us is a lot of sand ,some pretty decent trails, and smaller hill climbs, and of course some mx tracks. I haven't went to any of the others around yet of course with the one being so close. What area are u from. Any good trails. I have some family in Illinois as well.

[speedtoad]

I have a used bike with well over 400 hours. The filter never has metal shavings, except the time the clutch blew up and the time I forgot to add oil.
I will gladly trade yz's if you're concerned.

[Torrac]

Love the bike just got a little concerned. ?