Pinto Car Club of America

I first noticed this when I had to change my starter a few weeks ago.

There is some type of metallic flake (either gold or brass) that was on and around the shaft area of the old starter and the bell housing dust cover.

I'm wondering if this is from me down shifting from to high of a speed in the past (when I first learned how to drive a stick) or is it from my pilot or release bearing going out??

I haven't had any problems with drive-ability of the car, starting out or once it's going.

When the starter-drive moves forward it comes in contact with a spacer that is made of a soft material
"MOST LIKELY BRASS" this is the WEAR section of the starter W/O this washer the starter drive would grind into the flywheel.
Maybe the reason you were changing the starter anyway???
From Pintony