Topic: Small metal particles in oil filter

[arncruz]

So I'm doing my own oil change and took the filter off my 1977 CB550 and found small metallic particles.  The engine was started up without problems, and had an oil leak through the main gasket.  I was going to do a tune up but now I think I'll have to rebuild the engine, change the gaskets and see the inside of the engine.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[flybox1]

Picture and a magnet run through it would be a big help....

[arncruz]

Positive attraction to the magnet.  The plan was changed from tune up to now a top end rebuild, question is do I have to do a bottom end considering the metal particles.

[flybox1]

Members with more rebuild experience than me will hopefully chime in, but that looks a pretty minor.
Did that red RTV come out in the pan as well?

[arncruz]

That's the red rubber seal for the oil pan screw.  It's done! Thanks for your help thus far.  This will be my first rebuild EVER but I'm looking forward to seeing how these engine work.  I'm in for the long haul!  Awesome forum and community but the way. 

[strynboen]

that red silicone gasket blokes oil restriktors..and kill top ends...if it are used more places in the engine...pull the engine komplet..it are a ticking bomb..floting araund in the oil system..bloking oil gallery at any time

use a modern floting gasket type...vho hardnes by pressure/air eskapes and hardne,,bypassed gasket are floting in engine and make no mess..the oilfilter takes it..

[Dunk]

That's a LOT of metal in your oil. I'd be concerned where it came from. Definitely at least refresh teh top end, if you don't find a smking gun (and even if you do) it would be prudent to check the bottom end and bearings. Could be top end oil starved, cam chain, or maybe lucky and somehow a clutch plate is getting chewed up. Won't know until you start pulling it apart, but that is more than enough metal to make me worried.

[dave500]

drop the pan and desludge it,put it back together and ride it,if its not running #$%*ty/smokey or clattering itll be ok,compression test it if you want,do a full tune up with a carb sync.

[thirsty 1]

Pull the rockers and check the cam and rocker pads. I don't think it looks that bad either. None would be better but if you missed a shift or banged it into gear a few times you could get that. If it's magnetic it's not a piston as those are aluminum. How many miles are on that filter. I wouldn't go tearing a whole bike apart for that.

my 2C

[PeWe]

If it can fail like CB750, I should be worried as earlier said. Silicone block oil passages to top end..
Parts from clutch is another one.

[flybox1]

That's the red rubber seal for the oil pan screw. 

the pan drain screws had a crush washer, not a seal, and if the PO used it on your bike, you better find out where else he used it and where it all went

[arncruz]

It does make me a little worried and I think its more than enough to necessitate at least a look inside.  Like I had said previously, the bike starts with just one or 2 kicks, then I do hear a small amount of clattering.  I'm the type to worry and I don't think I would be satisfied without at least trying to find a source.  I appreciate all the responses and will keep you guys updated once I take it apart and post pictures.  This is a long term project so I want to do my due diligence. 

[dave500]

these engines are a little clattery unlike a modern bike at all and don't seem to suffer the bad cam/rocker failures that some 750s can they have a simpler cam/valve train assembly,if its running fine just drop the pan,dont start looking for stuff that's not a problem,get a copper washer for the drain plug,dont over do it when you tighten it.

[ekpent]

Good carb synch can help the clattering at idle where all carbs are working together.