55 miles and shavings in new engine

[YELLOW 94]

I installed a new engine, I had to removed the engine because my oil pan was leaking. Pulled the oil pan and found real fine what looked like real fine copper shavings. Is this normal for your first oil change. I didnt notice any shavings in the oil when I drained it. Not until I pulled the pan did I see them. I cut open the filter and it looked pretty clean, it had a little bit of shaving in it. Is this normal or should I be worried. I talked to the engine builder and he said I would see fine shaving in it. Ive never pulled a engine after 55 miles so i am not sure what is normal.

later
Orlie

 

[BlownFiveLiter]

You shouldn't see anything that resembles copper, IMO. I'd expect some fine silver shavings from rings wearing in and such, but copper would be the backing of your main and rod bearings. You don't have an aftermarket distributor with a bronze gear by chance, do you? That'd be the only other thing I could think of it being that could resemble a copper color.

 

[YELLOW 94]

No bronze gear. So do you think the bearing has already wore done say the clerances were not set right. What should I do.

I talked to the engine builder and he said I would see some fine shavings. When I told him they looked like copper he said thats normal. Like I said I did not see it in the oil and its not all over the inside of the block. Im not sure what to do. He said take the block in and he would look at it, but he didnt think i needed to.

later
Orlie

 

[BlownFiveLiter]

If you already have the pan off and you have the build sheet, you could pull the caps and have a look at the bearings yourself. The build sheet should have all of the torque values on it, so you know what to retorque the main and rod caps to. It should set your mind at ease if there's no wear on the bearings and you won't have to lug your engine all the way back over to the builder. I'd be curious to hear what they're saying should look like copper while wearing in though. If they're large enough to settle in the bottom of the pan, I'd personally be pretty concerned just like you.

 

[YELLOW 94]

I think im gonna put the engine together run it for 100 miles and check the oil. I didnt see and shavings in the oil so im gonna go off that. I hope at 150 miles everything is fine. I cant wait to get this car running again, its been six years since she has ran, when im done ill post some pics of her.

later
Orlie