So I had my motors pulled out of my formula 272 due to some oil leaks that couldn't be fixed in the boat. Before the shop pulled the motors they rebuilt the carbs on both and got them running since the boat wasn't used at all last year. When they did they said the sound good with the exception of some lifter noise that seem to be going away after 20 mins of running at idle. So anyways so I got my motors home and started taking them apart, this is when I found this metal(pics below). I found a few pieces on the top of the head when I removed the valve covers, then a few more when I removed the oil pan.They appear like the size of a washer total, very thin metal, have a distinct curve to them, appear they might be the size of a quarter Now when I removed the valve cover I noticed one rocker was way out alignment, I have no idea why, the push rod seems straight, nothing stands out to me. I hadn't intended on removing the heads originally but I think it will be necessary now. .Anyone have any idea? Thanks for any help!!

They are 454 BBC out of a 1989 Formula 272
Motors were new 5 years ago when I got the boat, only had 16hrs on them when I bought the boat, only 150hrs on them now.

Metal Pieces

kinda looks like valve spring shims.

they are not marine engines. 049's are good heads. and used a lot in boats, but correct marine rebuilts would have either round ports if 330's or square ports if 365 hp on up. but either way, heads gotta come off and be gone through. i would also flip them over and check the mains and replace the rod bearings if nothing else is found wrong...

+1

Ken

Agreed on the valve spring shims. I will say that a lot of your rocker arms look way off where they contact the valves.

Have to agree with the other guys.. Looks like a valve spring shim

That's what happens when you don't use a hardened shim as the top one under the spring

and bet the cam is going south as well....those heads work fine when prepped right...

Some of those rockers are WAY off, surprised you have not dropped a valve!!

Thanks guys for the input, head is at the builder now, gonna check everything out, the motor itself looks in great shape, pistons were perfect, no scares, walls smooth, cam looks fine from what I can see, no wear marks and smooth. Hoping we caught it early enough. Didn't find anymore metal when the heads came off. Think I found it all. I don't think the previous owner adjusted the valve correctly, everything will be right now, thats for sure!!