93 Suburban Tranny and fuel pump question

Hi,

I have a 93 Sub 1500 w/L60E transmission with 180k miles. Recently changed fluid and filter and discovered 3 or 4 pieces of metal that look like broken rings (about a 1/4" in diameter) in the bottom of the pan. Fluid was not particularly dark and I used Dexron III to refill. Transmission still shifts fine but I'm a little concerned as to what these rings are. I'm about to embark on a 2500 mile trip and I'm not sure if I should put my trust in it.

Also, I recently changed the fuel pump. I have noticed that sometimes it won't crank on the first try. However, once it starts, it runs fine. Could it be that I'm losing pressure in the line or is there something wrong with the pump. It seems to be an itermittent problem as it does not occur all the time. I would guess that if the fuel pump were faulty it wouldn't run properly down the road.

Thanks for your suggestions.

LarryG

Amendment: The rings are close to 1/2" in diameter and have a twist to them as if they used to be part of a spring. However, the metal is very hard and you can't deflect it by hand. Hope this helps...

LarryG

Does anyone have any ideas as to what those metal rings are?

Thanks,

LarryG

Sounds like clutch return springs, but I can't see them getting out of the clutch drum, no pics?

Hi Maxwedge,

I've attached a few pics for your reference. Does this help? Disregard the paint on them as my daughter managed to spill some on them in my shop

Thanks,

Larryg


http://www.jinksstudio.com/larryspage.html (http://www.jinksstudio.com/larryspage.html)

Yeah they look like clutch springs This can definitely cause issues down the road with slow clutch release.. I'd take them to a trans shop to confirm my suggestion.

Hi Maxwedge,

Thanks for the suggestion. I will check it out. I don't suppose you have any thoughts on the fuel pump issue?

Thanks,

LarryG

Only way to eliminate the fp is to see if the 2 second prime works, if so then you would have to check the fp after the prime event.