Metal in Gearbox

Paul, what is "a lot of metal"?

No, you would not expect much metal at 80,000k's if any, how ever, it depends on how the vehicle is being driven. Is somebody else driving this vehicle other than you that is thrashing it?

Are you must definitely using the correct oil? Have you had it serviced somewhere where they use un-branded/recycled oil? There is nothing wrong with recycled oil, the trouble is never found anybody that does it properly/professionally in Australia. In overseas countries it is recycled by the majors and right up to spec - better than new.

Depends on when the oil was last changed and the magnet cleaned. I have always found a fair lump of filings on magnets and I change gear oil every 20-40,000. If your gearbox is fine, then don't worry about it.

Phil G

Paul, is this the 2000 dx patrol ex police ??

Not being smart here but if no filings were ever going to be evident then they wouldn't bother fitting a magnetic drain plug really I would think. I have always found a small amount of filings in diff but can't say as I can recall gearbox.
I'll take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Xmas also.
Have enjoyed your company

Paul, the old adage of buyer beware, as you asked in previous posts about buying a ex police vehicle i thought you may soon find out the pros and cons of doing so,, would sugest getting g/box stripped ,,sounds like some abnormal wear for milage,if hard 1st and rev,,

Paul.
The fuel filter and the gear box magnet are doing there job and all is normal, The fuel can suport life if it has warmth and light. the filter has protected the motor and all will be fine, the starting problem will not be related to the filter as the first indication of a blocked filter is loss of power on hills. The gear box plug has colected the metal that is wearing of the spline in 5th gear, don't fix it until you find the niose in 5th is loud enough to bother you. If you reduce the amount of 5th gear use it may last untill trade in time. Eric.

Paul, Wouldn't be too worried about "lot of metal", as long as it didn't contain pieces ie. 1-2 mm in diameter. If they are on the magnet, at least the pieces aren't floating about in the 'box. Change the oil more regularly for a while to keep a handle on it. Toyota's have a large nut on rear of g'box main shaft, inside t'case, that loosens enough to cause major wear on spline of shaft and gear in t'case. In extreme cases the gear will strip the spline off shaft, amounting to extreme case of NO GO. This will cause large amounts of metal sludge on magnet. Haven't heard of Nissan's with same problem.

Driving in 5th gear below 80 kmh is a no-no, as it puts more strain on that gear.

At 80K kms, anything is possible, the vehicle may have done a fair bit in town, with lots of g'box use? Had a 79 series g'box overhauled after only 58K kms, from that experience(syncro on 3rd only, no speedo & grinding noises) feel you will know if your g'box gets any worse.

Don't let it spoil your Christmas. Catch you later.....Merry Christmas.