Engine Concerns

Blue-2001-Z71 · May 5, 2004

I drained the oil today for the first time, and to my surprise the magnet on the plug had five needle bearings stuck to it (about 1/4" long each). Any ideas? Maybe a rocker arm coming apart? The truck still has a warranty so I', going to see what else comes out.

TROYROBO · May 5, 2004

i would call dealership and then drive to dealership asap to have them check it out--since you have warranty--good luck

woyster_00z71 · May 5, 2004

Wow! Sounds like something is going to break. Good luck.

Ben · May 5, 2004

Lifters are roller on some. My big block has roller lifters.

My bet it's roller lifter bearing.

Unless you have after market rocker's.

Shut it down and have it checked.

Hopefully manufacturing junk found in all engines/trannies/diff/etc. Why recommend early fluid flush to get this kind of stuff out ASAP.

Good luck!

Shaners · May 5, 2004

I read something a year or so ago about needle bearings in the oil... definatly get it checked out.

here is the service bulliten number for it from the NHTSA website... 020601029.

It refers to needle bearings found in the oil pan.

Rookie · May 5, 2004

its your rocker arms coming apart.

bbellowsZ71 · May 6, 2004

i had the same problem...something shatterd and metal shavings went all over my engine. I had to get a whole new crate engine and new radiator.

2001 HD · May 7, 2004

As posted above, there is a TSB out on this problem. Rocker Arm's are the culprit. I don't have the TSB number handy, but the dealer should cover this under warranty. I would bring the needle bearings with you and show the srevice manager. Not many people have reported this problem since the TSB came out about a year ago. Give them a call and see if they will come and pick it up (tow)which should be covered as well.

Blue-2001-Z71 · May 8, 2004

Truck's going in Monday and I'm bringing the bearinings with me. I kinda figured it was the rocker arms. Definitely going to make a fuss about making sure that there's no collateral damage to the internals and maybe have them extend the warranty out now that there's a documented problem.