Metal in the Crankcase

After cleaning the top of the crankcase and removing the gasket at the base of the cylinders. Which I removed with scrapers, a Dremel attachment, and steelwool (therein lies the problem)particles of the steel wool primarily have fallen into my crankcase after pulling out the cloth that I had stuffed into the cylinders and around the pistons. The particles are sticking to the edges of the crank assembly and what ever else has oil on it, which is everything. I just removed my oil pan, and I have not yet looked but I'm thinking I have a clear through shot from top to bottom as far as the crankcase clearance goes. I'm thinking maybe some kind of degreaser and blowing off with air. I'd like some feedback. Also looking at the pan gasket, I'm wondering what is the best way to remove it without gouging or otherwise damaging the surface. It is a pretty substantial gasket.

:ohmy: Steel wool?
Try combing over the suspected areas with a strong magnet, and I'd hesitate to blow the steel particles all over the motor interior with compressed air.
Use a lot of patience, and a good scraper with no burrs on the edge for gasket removal. NO WIRE WHEELS!

If all else fails, you could try washing down with mineral spirits. I would never get a good night's sleep again thinking there was steel wool in my oil system. :blink:

Get yourself one of those really strong rare earth magnets, that should do it.

Spray it down really good with solvent,if you think theres any doubt about it change your oil after about 50 miles .

Steel wool is the worst. For every bit you can see, there is probably 3 times as much that you can't.

I appreciate the comments mechanical as well as historical. I have rinsed out the crankcase about 10 or 12 times each time with the crank in a different location and I am pretty sure it has cleared the situation up. I am looking for a "Rare Earth" drain plug. If any one has a line on one I'd appreciate it.

Vacuum, magnet, then wash down w kerosene or diesel. They are oily enough to leave some lubrication. Once u get it washed out good from top be sure to clean ur pickup screen. Also read on here somewhere a sharpened piece of plexy-glass works real well for removing gasket material wo gouging ur aluminum