Metal in oil pan--

[paulBurns]

I changed my oil in 3310 and found some small pieces of metal in the bottom of the drain pan. There were about 10 or so small pieces about the size of a piece lead and 1/8 inch long, looked if from a curved surface or something, they looked grey and soft like. Also there were 3-4 small flat pieces showing signs of heat discoloration and friction lines on them , they were very small and flat.
This is the first time for me to change the oil so I have no history on previous changes. The motor seems to run good and I don't have a loss of power or unusual smoke or noise.
What do I do--I am not a shade tree mechanic of any sort.

 

[normde2001]

Not good, sounds like a spun/grenaded bearing. It should be getting noisier or running funny by now.

 

[mark777]

Paul,

If the material can be picked up with a magnet then I would not be too concerned. These diesel engines, when operated at maximum power and cycled often from hot to cold, will break loose casting debris that drops into the oil pan. The oil pump depth and screen prevent recycling those fragments and since there is no loss of power or excessive smoke your tractor is probably fine.

I would be more concerned with aluminum or babbit pieces in the oil pan, which could be anything from bearing shoulders to piston skirts. You might consider a magnetic oil drain plug and increase your oil change times.

Mark

 

[Soundguy]

Pieces of lead.. kinda like needle bearing size?

Soundguy

 

[mark777]

OK, sorry I mistook pieces as casting fragments, If they are like pencil lead size then Norm and Soundguy are correct. It does sound as though these are needle bearing fragments and something (bearing) has come apart.

 

[paulBurns]

I checked this morning and was going to show pictures of the metal in the oil---but even though I carefully put them in a shop rag and put them in my truck I must have used the rag for something else--any way they are gone.
They looked like pices of lead from a lead carpenders pencil for reference as to size. They were hard but did not look like hard steel-- not shiny.
I hope this makes some sense.
I was thinking---what would happen if I ran the tractor for a short time and drained the oil again, checking for metal. Reckon it would do damage to motor beyond what is there now?

 

[Soundguy]

Hard to say. When you said pencil lead.. i thout small round and cylindrical.. like a needle bearing. but hearing that they are rectangular.. Mark may be on to something.. still.. I've seen rollers from roler bearings chewed and smashed.

Any unusual noises?

Soundguy

 

[bruce1966us]

I can't think where needle bearings are used in that engine.

 

[paulBurns]

Sound Guy
It sounds normal.
This afternoon I ran it for about 45 minutes and all seemed normal. I did bush hog up some small steep hills where it was in a bit of strain but no problem. Then I drained the oil and checked for anything in oil or drain pan. Not a thing but some blackened oil which I guess is normal. The oil was still new looking just showed some use. I had never drained and checked oil in such a short run time before so was not upset by the look of it.
I think I am going to take it to the pasture for several hours bush hogging , it will be a good workout, and look and listen carefully for something abnormal. Then check oil again for particles in the oil.
Thanks a bunch for all the advice and help guys.

 

[JerryG]

<font color="blue">There were about 10 or so small pieces about the size of a piece lead and 1/8 inch long, looked if from a curved surface or something, they looked grey and soft like. </font>
It sounds like a thrust bearing that has lost its thrust surface. If that is what it is, you will know before long.