Recently did and oil change. Using Chevron Supreme 10-30 and OE filter. Poured old oil into recycling container. What was left was sludge, of course, and gold flakes. I'm thinking its rod bearings that are starting to chunk off. The engine runs very smooth still. I know the 3.0L isn't the torque monster it should've been from the factory but....I'm sure I have some life left in her. I know it'll make the 300k mile mark (292k now) before it starts to run rough. I'm pretty easy on the throttle.
Can anyone confirm that it's rod bearings or is there something else in there that is "gold" in color?
Not looking forward to down time. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />

Rod or mains is what I would put my money on. Rods more so than the main bearings. Nothing else in there I can think of that has that soft golden appearance. Shoulda made this post one of the polls! lol Not laughing at your situation any...look at the bright side, 3.0L that lasted 300K! I think thats a WOW factor all in it own!
~Darin

Thanks Esquire.
At least it gives me time to save up for a possible 3.4L swap.
I think I'll try and get that engine new. Is there anywhere in the socal (LA/OC) area that has done it?

I wouldn't conclude bad rod bearings quite so fast....

Do this first: Check your oil pressure with a manual gauge and make sure it's at spec with the FSM (don't know the V-6 so I can't tell you). If that's good, take an oil sample after about 2500 miles and send it off to the lab for analysis. They'll tell you for sure if you have bearing wear metals in there.

Next, ask yourself this: "Is it possible that I changed tranny fluid and forgot to completely WIPE the drain pan clean?"

In other words, is brass from your tranny synchos showing up in your drain pan and fooling you into thinking motor death is just around the corner?

Just be sure before you swap motors needlessly.

Good luck!