Pieces of steel in cylinder??

Replace them, they are cheap, they rot from the back side, where you cannot see the rust.
Just sand the edge of the plug, and the block with 180 grit sandpaper, use permatex, and install with a large socket, they are easy to do.
Mancini Racing Brass Freeze Plug Kit
I agree, they are real easy to replace now. Not so much later.