[SeaSlugs]

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.