Thanks Jamie's (plural? are you many?) that's what i'm worried about, they do look like something out of some kind of bearing - but what? I thought this was simply the end of the crankshaft. I've taken some pictures, I'd appreciate your perusal, hopefully you (or someone) can identify what might have broken.

In here:


closer:


"Pencil leads" (as it were):


And if you know anyone who does palm readings:



What's your take on this?