Maulesitter,
You do not need to pull a cylider to look at the cam.
Just pull the rocker arms, push rods, tubes and lifters. You can peer in
the hole with a flash light and mirrow.
Michelle

Maule Driver wrote:

I've put over 1,000 of the 1,100 hours on this new O-360-C4f. Changed
the oil religiously. I didn't baby the engine but didn't abuse it
either. Always hangered etc.

My last oil analysis showed a doubling of iron 47.9ppm to 101.0ppm
with 36 hours on the oil. Everything else normal. We did the filter
and we found very fine iron filings or dust with a magnet. How much -
hard to tell. No chunks though.

We're thinking cam and lifter.

My mechanic is playing it safe - called Signature and Mattituch who
recommended no more flying, split the case, and fix or overhaul.

I want some second opinions. I could fly 10 more hours and take
another look. We could pull a cylinder and check the cam I'm told.

I've read about Second OilPINION and Howard Felton - a knowledgeable
analysis of the metal seems like money well spent. Is he still in
business? Anyone know anyone else who can do this?

Any other factors? My exhaust manifold/heat exchanger broke and I
flew for 10 to 36 hours with it broken. Parts 'banging' around under
the cowling etc. Discovered it during oil change. I did let it sit
without running for 60+ days - a first for this aircraft.

Thoughts?

Maulesitter.