2.8l In a '89 Firebird has trouble?

[Thomas]

My '89 Firebird has bits of what seems like very hard plastic in the oil pan. What could this be and how serious of an issue? Also my engine has very low compression i.e. you can turn the motor over by hand with little effort. Is this a problem?

 

[melsg5]

I'm not familar with the 2.8L motor but hard plastic is often used on timing gears or belt tensioners. In either case something is failing in the front of the engine. You can turn over the engine by hand with the spark plugs removed? If so that is normal, if you can turn it with the plugs in place you have a problem.