Debris in oil pickup with rattle

[Joe Forti]

Hello everyone. 

My 986 had developed a rattling noise which I previously posted about here:

 

 

After taking some advice and pulling the oil pan, I found a lot of metal debris on the drain plug, shavings in the oil filter, and the oil pickup almost completely blocked by metal bits and what appeared to be old gasket material. 

How toast do we think the motor is? I have an appointment scheduled with my Indy mechanic but its still a few weeks away and I am wondering if I should just have him pull the engine. 

Thanks

[Joe Forti]

Photos of the plug and filter. You cannot see it but the filter is full of metal flakes

[JFP in PA]

Are the metal shavings in the paper towel ferrous (can be picked up by a magnet)?

 

It is not unusual to find some sealant materials in the oil pick up, but you have a lot which can cause oiling problems, and I would be concerned about the fine black debris in the oil sump cover and on the oil plug.  Fortunately, the oil filter does not look that bad, but I would think that further investigation at a minimum is required.