Metal in transmission fluid

[David Durham]

When I changed my transmission oil this weekend, there was quite a bit of very fine metalic specks in the oil, much mare than I expected. Looked like metalic paint. You could really see them when you hold the drain pan in the sun. They looked gold in color, so I'm assuming they're from the sychronizer rings. The car has 2800 miles on it, including 4 track days and a few auto crosses.

Is this normal? The trans works perfectly. Thanks

[FLORIDALAWDOG]

I think its probably normal, but I am speaking for regular cars, I have no experience on a Lotus. But a tranny is a tranny. I know on most vehicles, there is a magnet in the bottom of the pan, that catches most of the flakes.

[zammy1]

a magnet won't gather the brass from the synchros.
i'd suggest you change the lube and check later for more color.
it could be just the initial break-in.
hope for the best.
has there been any change in the synchro action when you shift gears?
that's the real gist of the problem.
the synchros on my echo went away at about 70k miles.
my toy XRS (same tranny and engine) is too new to tell.
good luck.

[emperor91108]

I would not worry too much. I have seen this happen on many transmissions that lasted for miles and miles.