Plastic in bottom end

[Zach]

Howdy, took apart the engine that came with the mustang and was met with quite a surprised. A lot of exploded peices of plastic in the bottom end, it is pretty hard but can bend and isn’t metallic, looks to be circular in shape, easily a handful or 2 of material. No idea what or where it is from and was hoping some one here might know. Some in bottom of pan and in the oil pickup mesh, rotated engine before taking pan off so unsure where it all was sitting but is obviously mangled. Engine has no signs of severe damage. Not familiar with ford engines so I have no clue where the plastic bits would come from, they were only visible once I took the pan off.

 

[Sheriff41]

Most common culprits are valve stem seals and the original cam gear for the timing chain.

 

[tony-muscle]

If you send me a piece I could perform a FTIR test to try identifying what plastic it is at no cost. I work with plastics and have one of these machines here at work.

 

[Zach]

If you send me a piece I could perform a FTIR test to try identifying what plastic it is at no cost. I work with plastics and have one of these machines here at work.

Appreciate the offer but shouldn’t be necessary, found another post on this forum and it’s the exact same thing. Just odd I didn’t see signs of this until I took the pan off. Thanks guys, guess I don’t have to worry too much.


https://7173mustangs.com/threads/whats-this-under-my-351c-valve-covers.30677/

 

[Ron Tanzi]

It is most likely what the other members suggested IE: Valve stem seals or parts of the original style nylon coated cam sprocket. Although the black color of the pieces parts are indicative of valve stem seals.

Ron