Metal chunks in my Ducati Monster oil

[mighty540]

I recently picked up a 1998 Monster 750 and it was running great for the first few hundred miles. Everything felt smooth untill I stopped for a quick break and heard a loud metallic ringing sound at idle. The noise goes away once the engine revs up a bit. And since the clutch lever felt soft and shifting was getting harder, I decided to drain the oil to see what was going on. I found actual metal chunks in the oil. Now I have the side covers off to check the alternator and the clutch area for damage. I am trying to figure out if a loose nut or a failing bearing caused this. Has anyone else found metal bits in their oil after hearing a high pitched ringing? What specific parts should I inspect first on the clutch side?

 

[kwyatt01]

I recently picked up a 1998 Monster 750 and it was running great for the first few hundred miles. Everything felt smooth untill I stopped for a quick break and heard a loud metallic ringing sound at idle. The noise goes away once the engine revs up a bit. And since the clutch lever felt soft and shifting was getting harder, I decided to drain the oil to see what was going on. I found actual metal chunks in the oil. Now I have the side covers off to check the alternator and the clutch area for damage. I am trying to figure out if a loose nut or a failing bearing caused this. Has anyone else found metal bits in their oil after hearing a high pitched ringing? What specific parts should I inspect first on the clutch side?

Check the starter motor gear and the sprag clutch to see if they are grinding.

 

[CaLyPsO]

@mighty540 Have you tried pulling the alternator cover to check if the flywheel nut has come loose and started rubbing?

 

[g0alkeeper]

I recently picked up a 1998 Monster 750 and it was running great for the first few hundred miles. Everything felt smooth untill I stopped for a quick break and heard a loud metallic ringing sound at idle. The noise goes away once the engine revs up a bit. And since the clutch lever felt soft and shifting was getting harder, I decided to drain the oil to see what was going on. I found actual metal chunks in the oil. Now I have the side covers off to check the alternator and the clutch area for damage. I am trying to figure out if a loose nut or a failing bearing caused this. Has anyone else found metal bits in their oil after hearing a high pitched ringing? What specific parts should I inspect first on the clutch side?

Use a magnet to see if the metal chunks are steel or aluminum to help identify the source.

 

[pinkpines]

Did you inspect the clutch basket and plates for any broken tabs or excessive wear?