Hi Dennis,
If that were my engine I might assume that it was the front cover
passage, not sure if the Renisis has the same issue or not.  But I
don't think it is acceptable to find ANY silver shavings.  My worry
now is that your bearings might be getting sloppy.  Have you stuck a
telescopic magnet in the oil pan to see what you could pick up.
anyting more than contamination and you probably need to tear it down.

David

On 1/14/16, Dennis Havarlah <flyrotary@lancaironline.net> wrote:
> I am seeing a decrease in engine oil pressure!    About to stop flying and
> start tearing the engine down.
>
> More information:
>
> RX8 Renesis 4 port in RV-7A. 670 total hours in flight.  I fly at least 4
> times a week.  Mostly very short flights - 8 to 10 minutes each way to play
> tennis.  I use Mobil 1 oil (15 - 50 W).  I change oil at 50 hours.  Check
> oil filter media for particles each time.  Burn regular mogas with ethanol
> and add 0.6 oz/gal oil ( 2 stroke outboard and marvel mixed ).
>
> Over the past 100 hours my oil pressure has slowly decreased from 80 psi to
> as low as 72 psi in cruse.  Oil temps are about 180 deg. F.  Idle oil
> pressure is 50 - 53 psi at 1500 engine rpm when I land.
>
> When I inspect the oil filter media I find only a very few shinny particles
> on the oil filter media and have not seen an increase in number. I have to
> look win direct sunlight to see them.
>
> Is there anything I should be looking at - oil pump, oil pressure regulator
> - ???
>
> I'm contemplating taking off the oil pan this weekend.  My oil and water
> radiators are mounted under the engine so this will take some time and be
> messy!
>
> Thanks for any and all info.
>
>
> Dennis Haverlah
>