350x issues

[Fixer_Upper]

I recently put new rings and valves into my 350x topend. I was draining the oil and saw a little bit of grit in the oil. Most of the grit appears to be sand, (from the skid plate) but I noticed a little bit of what I think is metal. I haven’t checked the filter for glitter but I think it might be a clutch plate decintigrating. When I had the motor apart for the rebuild the crank seemed completely fine, but it still could be the crank. The only thing that leads me away from the clutch is that it feels fine. Anyone having information on this please let me know.

[BOB MARLIN]

Run it for a while and change the oil again. Look for more crap. A little bit of yick doesn't always mean disaster. A big part of the oils job is to carry crap out of the engine. With the right oil the clutches last for decades. If the crap keeps showing up, then its time for concern. Make sure the oil filter is installed correctly also.

[ps2fixer]

Also, throw a magnet in the oil and check if it's magnetic. Also another factor is the engine oil and transmission oil are shared, you will 100% get some metal flake from the transmission wear. Fine and small quantities isn't much of a reason to worry, but chunks or big flakes and excess amounts would be a concern.

Reminds me of a 250es engine I got from a parts machine. I drained the oil for storage and noticed a lot of metal came out. Long story short, the starter reduction gears was missing a pin and the metal was from the side cover being ate away from the gear riding against it instead of on a pin. There was a ton more metal right at the problem area. When I test ran it, I kick started it, so didn't even knew the starter side of things had a problem.