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Jim - #623 (2002)

Was having first routine oil change (on our pad in Indio) after purchasing coach about 2 years ago. The tech had emptied the old oil and was checking the pan plug and saw a metal particle (very small) on the magnetic end of the plug. When he further checked with his finger in the plug hole he discovered (after getting them out) a number of copper "beads" and "chips" up to 1/4" in size. Not being a diesel savvy person; but aware of the construction of an engine, I agreed with the tech that we may well have a catastrophic issue of a bearing or bushing failure. 

I am pursuing getting the unit towed (via flat bed) to their facility to drop the pan and see the actual debris in the pan and the condition of the crank, bearings, etc. to access the issues. This seems like a very unusual circumstance for an engine with only 80k miles; but; it is 22 years old.

Any comments, cautions, advises are appreciated and also; shop suggestions in the Indio / Inland Valley area for accomplished a successful repair.

TY, jim

Jim,
Sorry for this, this is an unusual event for a Series 60. I am seeing a trend in the motorhome application of more issues, I have no data to back up my theory but I suspect this has to do with lack of use and or maintenance. The Series 60 is every bit of a million mile engine but when they sit and when they are not maintained they will not hit that mark or come close to it. Not saying that your engine is a result of either of these, but it’s hard to say without any data points. Do you have any maintenance records that came with the coach, this could help shed some light on what was done in its past, or not done. 
The beads of copper are unusual, the chunks are more typical of what is found in the pan. I would also make sure they pull the rocker cover and make sure all the cam followers are still intact. These years of Series 60 use ceramic cam followers for the injectors, and they have been known to splinter or shatter and leave debris in the pan. 

I am also new to purchasing a Series 60 Newell and I have already noticed some signs that it was let to sit since possibly 2019 from dates on the filters. I noticed a decent amount of blow by from the engine, this is a stream of “air” coming out of the breather tube from the rocker cover. I have done an oil change and it has helped some and now I am going to also adjust the valves. My engine has 194k miles on it. 
Please keep us posted as to what is found. 
I am in Florida so unfortunately I am no help with finding you a shop near Indio, CA. If you were further north in the sate I would recommend a mechanic I know in Oregon, he is very familiar with Detroits.