Oil Change Surprise
 

'29 Murray Town Sedan. After changing my oil I noticed some small pieces in the bottom of the bucket that look like they could be broken off teeth fragments of some type of gear. Am suspecting it is my fiber timing gear (have not verified yet) but wondering if this could be something worse? Car runs fine. Areas for me to inspect?

Re: Oil Change Surprise
 

well are they metal or fiber magnet should answer that. if fiber its the timing gear. if its metal i highly doubt the crank gear would shear unless it was severely pitted. Any other metal gear the car wouldnt run right.

you could pull the small side timing cover off and slowly rotate the crank and inspect the timing gear for missing teeth.

if it looks OK it may be old teeth particles that have been in the pan a long time.

Re: Oil Change Surprise
 

Could be bits of the Babbitt thrust bearing that have broken off.

Re: Oil Change Surprise
 

IF you cam gear is still of fiber variety, and bits are of fiber...pull timing cover..voila :) !
If this cam gear must be replaced, good news is that you can improve your engine overall by replacing fiber gear with McEachern alum or bronze cam gear.
Now, possible bad news is....you most likely have these bits in places where you would not want them..i.e.- oil pump/bearings/passages, etc...

Best to get that cover off first to see how much fiber is loose in your engine.

Re: Oil Change Surprise
 

I changed my fiber gear during a overhaul, because of missing teeth, several oil changes ago and still (ever diminishing) getting few bits of fiber gear in the oil during the change. Also put in a magnetic drain plug to monitor the engine'
good luck

Re: Oil Change Surprise
 

Thanks Barn. On to investigation phase.

Re: Oil Change Surprise
 

Things I have found in the oil drained from the crankcases of Model A's:
> Pieces of cotter pins from connecting rods;
> Bits of metal from oil tray troughs;
> Pieces of rear main bearing thrust face babbitt;
> Chunks of silicone gasket material;
> Oil drain pipe from rear main bearing cap;
> Teeth from camshaft timing gear;
> Clothes line rope used to tie up the oil pump;
> Sludge from use of non-detergent oil.

Re: Oil Change Surprise
 

To add to your list:
The tops of two alum pistons !
3 to 4 inches of VERY thick 'muck' containing all manner of debris !

Re: Oil Change Surprise
 

If you need a McEachern Bronze i have a NEW One for sale

Re: Oil Change Surprise
 

But a thick layer of sludge helps to muffle engine noises. :D