2002 gmc sonoma 2wd 4.3l auto 235000 km

Really don't know how I didn't notice this before. As it's been the second one since purchase...

So I did the oil change on the sonoma... When I pulled the oil plug, it didn't look like shavings, but like the anti seize you put on lugs, leading me to the gasket fix liquids they sell as a quick fix. Now the engine is clean, hasn't leaked anything since purchase. So I'm not sure if it was dirty,washed and then fixed(ish), or never leaked and he did it for no smart reason.

Or that I have a bigger problem.

The filter looks like it has a nice layer of the same stuff, but haven't cut it open to verify yet.

the oil itself was used but not discolored in anyway, coffee filter didn't result in anything.

QUESTIONS:

is there any other locations I can check without pulling anything major apart?

chances of engine being in harms way?

Signs I should look for?

 

Difficult to tell.
Would need an oil sample sent to a specialized lab which do analysis but that's costing something. Don't know how much they charge.
The advantage is that they can tell you exactly what they found in the oil. Fuel contamination, bearing material, seal material and other things.

If you suspect some additive I would change the oil and filter, and drive it for another while, then change the oil again within let's say 500 - 1000 miles.

 

Thanks again. Will try that out and see if I still get stuff.