Having taken the sump off due to my slow to rise oil pressure (see here) I found the pickup was definitely only 2-3mm from the bottom of the sump so I'm hoping that's the problem there.

However, I found a few very small shiny non-magnetic metallic particles in the oil and one or two slightly larger bits (only a couple of mm). The bits are quite soft so i'm thinking they are from bearing shells. Should I be worried or is it normal for a freshly built engine?

I undid the rod bolts as they are ARP and plenty of people seem to re-use them plus its only been run on the drive for a few minutes under no load. The big end shells look okay with some very light marks on them, but pretty much what I would expect to see.

Now I don't know whether to undo the mains to have a look at them or not - I'll need new bolts if I do that. Both the main and the big end bearings are new. The block was rebored and its got new pistons - the bores look good when looking up from underneath.

Cheers,
Chris

[Edited on 8/4/08 by chriscook]

[Edited on 9/4/08 by chriscook]

When the engine was built did you prime the oil pump prior to start up ? ie pack with grease to enable oil pressure to happen ?

I wouldn't worry, chances are it is just metal left from parts bedding in. Every time I have removed a sump there's been some metal at the bottom, even though the engines been fine.

Chris,
I have just installed my xe in my F27 and fired it up a couple of times now- now probs with the oil pressure- as I packed it with vaseline to prime it which then melts away when warmed up, the clearance between sump and pick up seems ok, I wouldnt worry too much about the metal bits, just make sure you change the oil after the 1st 500 miles or so - enjoy!!
Greg

Sorry I meant to type non-MAGNETIC particles - they are metallic.