I am replacing the pistons and sleeves in my Gleaner E due to low compression. The rod bearings were a little scored, #1 looked real good. But replacing them all..

There was a little bearing material in the sump. So I just as well clean the oil pickup, the picture is what I found. The crank moves easily, I’m afraid to pull the main.

... at least all rod and main bearings. There has to be a reason you are getting so metal.

Have you run a magnet over it to see if there's any iron/steel? not sure if the orange is RTV or paint. Maybe check crank end shake if you're really loathe to pull a cap. Fingers crossed it is only thrust material, I had some chunks like that (& bigger!) in my B's pan and that's what it was from.