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What is in my oil pan?

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PlanZero

Proven Member
1,516
263
Aug 13, 2013
Easton, Pennsylvania
When i dropped the pan today to fix a leak i saw this:
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Turns out the majority was gold rtv. At first I was relieved then after digging around I wound up with this:
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The black stuff appears to be plastic, and the metal is non magnetic. This is from a built motor which supposedly had about 300 miles on it when I put it in a couple months ago. 3rd time changing oil, first time dropping the pan. The pan was clean as a whistle when installed. I also removed the baffle and everything appears ok. I didnt check the bearings since i have no syptoms and its only one silver chunk. Second turbo with this motor, neither of them blown. The only parts used from my old motor (spun rod bearing) were the vc and intake manifold.
Car runs beautifully, save for a mild piston slap until she's warmed up. I've been dailying her since February.
 
Boo!! Maybe too much rtf from putting the pan on.
But regardless, that shows some sketchy practices when assembling an engine.
And non magnetic metal!?!? Bearings?
When you dropped the pan did the rods and Pistons look new? Might have been a farmer rebuild.
Can you see any gold rev on the motor parts? Like valve cover?
 
I believe the gold/copper rtv was from the headgasket install, as there were no other traces of it on the motor, only traces of grey when I put the vc and oil pan on. Eagle rods and Manley pistons still look brand new, as they did before I put the motor in. I thought bearing material would be gold, not silver? And this piece is very hard. It was also the only piece, but there were several pieces and small particles of this black plastic. I can't help but think they're somehow related.
I know when I pulled the pan on my last motor with bad bearings the flakes were gold colored, softer and smoother. This chunk has a rough finish on one side almost like a piece of cast broke off, but it seemsway too big for that
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Last edited:
Damn. Yeah looks like casting. I'm with the above idea. Put her back together and drive it. Change oil and keep an eye out.

Let us know if you figure it out. Good luck.
 
I would say casting aswell. I found a piece in my pan couple years ago when I tore my 6bolt apart. I found where it came from on the head too after looking. Dont remember where now since its been so long but wasnt anything to worry about
 
Thanks for all the input. I put the pan back on yesterday and so far so good. With no balance shafts and filled front and rear mounts something must've shaken loose after we put the motor in. Combined with the rtv it makes me think there were less miles on this motor than originally thought. Scared the crap out of me for a minute though, complete with the old "that's it, I'm done with her" rant.
 
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