Drained the oil. Immediately stuck my finger in the flow and felt grit. Stuck a magnet in the the drain bucket and pulled up tiny metal shards. Removed metal shards from the cavity in the drain plug as well.
Pulled the pan. As soon as it was loose I heard a loud clunk, clunk as I tilted the pan from side to side. Oh boy.
The idler gear was sitting in the pan with a few nicks on the teeth. The idler shaft which the idler gear is mounted on sheared. The bearing in the idler gear spins smooth and freely. The oil pump gear spins smooth and freely and still pumps.
Have you seen or heard of the idler gear shaft shearing?
I saw bearing debris pushing out from the side of main cap #3. Pulled the cap. The bearing is damaged. Minor scoring is noticeable on the crank but cannot be felt.
The idler shaft appears to be pressed in. Main bearings have damage. I'm thinking about a new motor.
Pics below.
Would you replace the motor? That's my course unless you have better advice.
I'm also out of beer and am going to replace that immediately. Yes, I know this is a short term solution.
Thanks all.