Starting in '67 or so, the camshaft sprocket has a nylon toothwheel on an aluminum hub. Pre-'67 cam sprockets (and all known aftermarket replacements) are all-metal.

Highly recommend you get these three books as quickly as you can; they will get you up to speed on how your truck is put together and how to work on it effectively.

_________________
一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

69a100;

No argument just curious, what is your thinking on adding the transmission fluid to the oil, maybe I learn something.

Jim

69a100 has an engine flush operation in mind with his ATF suggestion. It would not be wise or helpful to dump ATF into your crankcase; you've already identified the source of the plastic bits, so go ahead and make the needed repair. After you've done that (and cleaned the oil pan, strainer and pickup pipe thoroughly), if you suspect the inside of the engine is still crudded up, do a proper flush operation. It will also be a good idea to service the oil pressure relief valve to make sure it's doing its job, as described in these two threads: thread 1, thread 2.

_________________
一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

I cleaned the oil pan and screen out already(painted the pain chrystler mopar orange ). I just bought the truck and it had alot of new parts under the engine. so I pulled the dist. and the sprocket at the end looks to be the same color and size of the pieces that were in the pan, and the sprocket looks brand new. I put everything back to gether and she holds oil pressure now. Thank yoiu all for your help. I will pull the timing plate next just to make sure the sproket isn't damaged. why would they have nylon teeth on a sprocket that holds a chain? That is the only bad thing I have found about these engines. anyway you all saved me thanks abunch. Mike

The nylon-over-aluminum cam sprockets work fine for a few decades before they start to get chewed up. Is it really reasonable to ask more than that…? Especially since by that amount of mileage, the chain itself will be stretched and ready for replacement. Remember, when you drive a particularly durable old vehicle like a Slant-6 Mopar, you wear out strange things!

_________________
一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.