Engine damaged

I have a 1975 Z1B.
While changing the oil a piece fell of of the drain plug. It looks like a cam chain guide that lives on the top front of the motor. I change oil every 3K miles and I have no idea this was broken. Motor running fine.
The drain plug had a fair amount of shavings. Oil filter has no evidence. Not sure about the oil pump. Motor made no odd noises.
Has anyone else had this happen?
Also any recommendations for QUALITY gaskets?
The plan now is to remove the top end and inspect cams, head and cylinder walls. Flush engine with solvent.
Thanks for the feedback.

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationPretty common on older engines. Luckily if the cam chain adjuster was used, it took up some slack and kept it going.
Here is what broke! You have to lift cylinder block off to get the bottom out.

I had a broken one in my last resto. Thousands of bikes probably have one sitting on their oil pan and they don't even know it. The engine will run fine until you decide to do your rings, and then you can put a new one in.

The shavings are the chain grinding on the head. If it's broken chances the center roller is going as well. They all get hard and brittle with age. The rollers just go away. I'd change them ASAP. Last thing you want is a broken cam chain.
Steve

Quality gaskets = OEM Kawasaki

Partzilla is a good source for OEM parts. Once you find the part number you can also try searching ebay to see if anyone is selling that same gasket for cheaper. Sometimes you get lucky.

Thank all of you for the feedback. Knowing what is happening is very helpful.
I ll source gaskets from Partszilla and continue with the plan of leaving the motor in the frame while taking the top end off. I guess there is no way to change the cam chain without removing the motor.

the cam chain has to be broken and a master link installed if you want to remove the chain without splitting the cases.

leon

Not advisable for a novice.
Steve