little ball bearings in oil pump

[petecooke]

I have a 1983 240d. I have the engine on a stand and the upper pan off.
I pulled the crankshaft and pistons. When I look into the bottom of the oil pump, I can see about 10 little ball bearings on the screen of the oil pump.

I can take a picture of it tomorrow and attach it to this post.

Any idea where there ball bearings came from?

Thanks.

Pete