Metal shavings on drain plug

[Mad Cow]

I just changed my gear oil and when I took off the drain plug there was a thin coat of metal shavings on it, is this normal? I've heard people saying that a bit is pretty normal, but how much is a bit? Also, the oil looked really murky and had spots that were a different colour when it was in the drain pan, and when I drained it into an oil oil container it had so much sludge that it clogged the filter on the bottom of the funnel, I'm guessing it's really old, could that have caused problems?

And as a side note, what the hell mazda? Did you really have to put the filler hole on the side facing downward?

[solo_ryder]

I am guessing this is a 5 speed.

Yea, you can have abit of metal on there, but it sounds like that tranny oil was NEVER changed, hence the oil condition. It should come out clean, sounds like you got some moisture in there from the oil breaking down etc, that would explain the globs of different color oil. It's good that you changed it though, does it still shift smooth? If so I wouldn't get to worried, but keep a eye on the plug for buildup and the oil for color for the next few thousand km

[Inodoro Pereyra]

Yep, that's about it.
I would change the oil again pretty soon, let's say, a couple thousand miles, to get rid of any sludge that may have stayed there. Other than that, you can use a transmission additive if you want, just for some extra peace of mind.

[Mad Cow]

Thanks for the suggestions, it shifts smoother now actually, but it's hard to tell because my shifter bushings are pretty much gone. I'll drain it again after a couple thousand km's to see what's up.