Just to clear some things up. The metal was removed before the engine ever even came in contact with my plane or tank. And most importantly i actually had to "spin" the metal out through the threads in the aluminum casting with a toothpick, they were clearly left behind by the tool that cut the threads for the nipples to screw in. Several of them were loose in the bottom of the casting and a few were still barely attached to the last threads. seems to me that the tap that went into the aluminum casting was not run down all the way to the bottom, therefore leaving the last few bits still attached. Anyway, i hope to get this engine in the air tomorrow if the weather permits, Cya, Dave