Hey, chip, at my work we sent off "oil samples" when we do regular oil changes on the bigger diesels (Cummins, Detroit, etc). Check with some local shops and see if you have a lab locally that analyzes this stuff. I'm not sure if metallic particles are normal-it's been a long time since the one and only engine rebuild I've done. Best of luck to you. Hope all comes out O.K.
Regards,
Wannabe
