On 26 May 2004 09:50:15 -0700, (Robert M. Gary)
wrote:

I just called Lycoming. To my surprise, they were very helpful to me
considering I bought the engine from them 8 years ago. They said to
check the oil screen. I didn't even know the IO-360 had a screen. They
said that if I found any metal in the filter or the screen that I
could send it to them. They said they could tell EXACTELY what part of
the engine was making it. Apparently different parts of the engine's
aluminum have different alloys. So the piston pins have a different
aluminum than the dip stick, etc. He also said there was no charge for
this.

FWIW, they've been doing this for a long time. Filter analysis useta
be required prior to any work during a "piston pin" warranty claim.
Don't ask me how I know this.

Also, in most cases, piston pin plug material is plainly visible in
the oil filter, and sometimes evident on the suction strainer (the
screeny-lookin' thing in the sump). It looks like aluminum "hair" in
random lengths.

TC