I'm posting this for a friend who while changing the oil in his Camaro w/ LS1 engine ( I dont know what year ) found a couple of needle/roller bearings stuck to his magnetic drain plug. I havent seen or heard the car yet but he says it doesnt make any odd noises. And the engine runs fine. He threw the peices away so I cant give any dimensions on them. He might stop by this weekend and let me pull the drain plug to see if I can get another one out to measure.

Any ideas or suggestions as to where these came from ?

My friends 98 Z28 w/LS1 did the exact samething. Needle bearings in oil pan. It is from the rocker arms.GM has a service bulletin which specifically states " If you find needle bearings in pan, replace all 16 rocker arms".

My friend wasn't too lucky the falling parts chipped a tooth on the wheel for the crank sensor and caused a trouble code. Upon inspection they found it did more damage to hard parts. He ended up buying a new engine.

heres a link to my old post:

http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=40223

Ray

Needle Bearings Found in Oil Pan For
1998-2003 GM 4.8, 5.3, 5.7 & 6.0L VIN V, T, G, S & U Engines

The AERA Technical Committee supplies the following information regarding needle bearings in the oil pan for 1998-2002 GM 4.8, 5.3, 5.7 & 6.0L VIN V, T, G, S & U engines. Needle bearings have been observed in the discarded oil during routine engine oil changes.

The cause of this condition may be one or more rocker arms, which have experienced a bearing failure. To resolve this issue inspect all rocker arms for bearing cap failure and replace all 16 if one or more failed component is found.

If no abnormal condition is found with the rockers, check the vehicles service record for previous rocker arm repair. It is suggested if a previous repair was made, then the engine may not have been thoroughly cleaned of loose roller bearings.


Hope this helps,

Thank You both very much !!!!!!

Great ! something else to worry about. :sad: