I finally dropped the oil pan on my B18C-R swap to replace the pan gaskets which has been leaking pretty much since I got the motor. When I went to clean out the remaining oil inside, I noticed a couple (3) tiny crumb sized stones in the bottom, as well as a bit of grit in the places where oil slowly runs off the baffles.

I would like to know if this is normal or not? I've never removed an oil pan before so I didn't quite know what to make of it.

Everything else inside was amazingly clean. The plan cleaned up easily and the inside of the block is all shiny silver. I would have to say the original Japanese owner must have taken pretty good care of the engine (except for allowing stones inside <_<).

Now that I think of it, I suppose it could also be from removing the pan itself. A lot of dirt was falling out of the splash guard as I worked the pan out. Either way, any experienced opinions are welcome.

 

When I did the oilpan on my Starlet, there was knurled up flat metal chunks in it, looked like toasted bearings, however the motor ran fine and had no oil issues. I did blow it up however.

 

Let's go with this theory and call it a day.

^Not comforting

 

Uh....I like the other guys idea better... lol