[chrisnz]

I replaced my oil pan gasket a while back, a few thousand km
During the removal I knocked the oil pump with the pan, which ended up breaking one of the bolts.

After extracting the broken bolt, replacing with new, and putting everything back together, the engine was louder.

It kind of sounded like a diesel.

I know now I should have primed the oil system for longer before starting. I cranked it a few times for around 10 seconds with the coils unplugged.

Today I inspected the oil filter. Cut it open and found a few slivers of metal in it.

It's not full of metal and none of it was magnetic.

The increased noise from the engine hasn't got worse since.

My hope is the bearings are a little worn now, but with luck it won't get worse.

I assume the metal came from the rod bearings.

I understand even inspecting the main bearings is a costly job, removing and replacing the girdle.

Just looking for advice from those more experienced in these engines than me.

Cheers.