What are possible sources for ferrous metal...
 

What are possible sources of ferrous metal showing up in the oil? First obvious one is IMS bearing, then timing chains. What else can be a source? Would valve tappets be one? Other sources?

1. Your IMS bearing & shaft an early sign, later chain rattle, timing issues, then varying levels of failure.
2. The timing chains and sprockets, Chain rattle, timing issues, then varying levels of failure.
3. Valve Tappets & cam shafts, Valve clatter, then scavenge pump or valve failure and varying levels of of other failures.
4. The crank, piston slap, rod knock, and worse.

Thank you!

Just rebuilt my M96.Can't think of any benign source of magnetic material in the sump oil. Certainly better to rebuild a worn engine than a catastrophically damaged one.