A904 debris in pan

Plymouth 65 said
How's the transmission shifting, is it slipping or something? If not, it's most likely regular wear. I've seen what you describe many times before. Not really an issue unless the transmission isn't functioning properly. 65'

Thanks for the reply. No problems at all with shifting or slippage. It will start to whine a little bit on startup when the screen starts to get plugged up, but it still runs for a while after that. It will run fine until it gets completely clogged, then it just quits. Then, I assume it can't get enough oil into the pump to generate any pressure. Once it sits long enough, I think some of the particles settle back into the pan, and it will run fine for a short time.

Anyway, would it be considered normal to have to drop the pan once a year to clean it out?

Just a note, I have not replaced the external filter, I see them on e-bay for $125.