I just got done changing oil on a Z06 'vette with A 7.0 engine. It has a drysump oiling system. When I drained the oil pan section, I saw 5 small needle bearings attached to the magnet of the drain plug. Where did they come from?

Just a guess but dont those things have roller rockers stock? Maybe one of them crapped out.

that would be my guess.

there are no other roller bearings in it, with the possible exception of a roller lifter... depends on how long they are as to what they fit.

start checking rockers now....

Just a guess but dont those things have roller rockers stock? Maybe one of them crapped out.x2

could be a roller lifter too :eek:

could be a roller lifter too :eek:

holy "duh", batman.

I am betting rockers too.

Here is a GM Preliminary Bulletin that discusses this.

#PIP4156A: Possible Broken Rocker Arm On LS7 Engine - keywords cam camshaft DTC engine misfire miss noise push pushrod rattle SES tick valve Z06 - (Aug 29, 2007)

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern:
The customer concern may be an upper engine tick noise, or needle bearings found in the oil pan during an oil change.

Recommendation/Instructions:
If a dealer encounters an engine tick noise, or rocker arm needle bearings were found during an oil change, inspect all the rocker arms. If a damaged rocker arm is found, replace only the broken arm. Replacing the whole set of rocker arms is not necessary.

During the repair the technician may be trying to retrieve all of the needle bearings that were lost. Needle bearings may be found in cylinder head oil drains or oil pan. Clean the drains to retrieve the needle bearings, and replace only the damaged rocker arm.

Notie: The diameter of the needle bearing is larger then the oil pump pickup screen mesh. A needle bearing cannot be pulled into the oil pump.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.

Thanks for answering my question. I'm a mechanic by trade, and have never seen this before. Another new bulletin I see. Again thanks.

Thanks for answering my question. I'm a mechanic by trade, and have never seen this before. Another new bulletin I see. Again thanks.I would swap the complete set out! Start here http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/index.php?
LS1TECH - LS1 if you haven't been there yet.

LSx rockers have been known to drop needle bearings from the rocker arms for a long time... thought they'd have fixed it by now. :rolleyes: