Mac-is the first time that you've fired the motor? If so, then some of the metal can be from parts getting to know each other.

OK, I would check first the cylinder pressure of all eight cylinders.
It could be, that you have a damaged top piston ring from
water entering in the cylinder. The silver specks in the oil could be the chrome moly from the rings.
Good luck!

Dave 1972, I am 99% sure it was the riser gasket. There was water in the manifold and the oil cooler and engine block both held 20lbs. pressure. I have ran the motor on the hose twice since putting new gaskets on and there is no water getting in the oil now.

Cord, I had the seized piston replaced with new rings. The block was completely disassembled, the cylinder honed and then washed. Could still be some break-in particles but, I did not see any when I changed the oil the second time. I have changed the oil 3 times now. The first was to get the water out, the second was to flush the system and the third was a second flush. That is when I saw the specks.

Daniel, Probably won't hurt to leak test the cylinders. I never heard any funny noises so I hope the rings are OK.

Thanks, Doug

Doug did you use sealant on your head bolts? Mine leaked like a siv!!!did you drain the manifolds before you took the risers off? if you dont you get water in the manifold. Justa few ways I've got water in my motors.....
Don

I vote for taking it to the lake and doing some more fact finding. Caution is good, but one hates to create undo work. If it is any consolation to you, I did the same cheap azz riser gasket trick a couple years ago and got the same result. I could have absolutely killed myself for doing that after all the work I had done. With what you describe, I think there is a good chance she will purr like a kitten. Oil pressure and oil temp will be the judge. Let us know how you make out.

BT

Hi Don, It's a Gen V motor so all the head bolt holes are blind. Yes, I did drain the manifold before I pulled the riser. Thanks for the concern.

blue thunder, I'm going to do just that. If I have to pull the motor I want to be sure it needs to be done before going through all that extra work. I am going to go out this Sunday as long as it doesn't rain. Weather is looking good so I hope to get my answer then. Thanks.

See ya, Doug

Retorque a head after a heat cycle ? I don't think i've heard that one before.
If the head is properly torqued then it should be fine no matter what. Maybe on an aluminum block.