Pulled the Mess that was my Timing Chain....

Large pieces would be caught by the strainer on the pickup. Anything small enough to pass the strainer would go thru the oil pump then the filter. Have you drained the oil after pulling the timing cover? The problem with fine metal particles is they travel all over. Like I said the face of the block where the cam gear rides just doesn't look right to me. I just am not that intimate with the slant. As far as it quitting, whatever grip the cam gear had to cam probably let go and allowed the gear to freewheel without turning the cam. You could try sticking a magnet down into the oil pan and see what you pull out. I hate seeing people run into issues. Hang in there.