Wow - Looks Like I've Toasted a Rod Bearing
Wow - Looks Like I've Toasted a Rod Bearing
As I was cruising along the freeway on the way home, while giving about 40% throttle to accelerate into the fast lane, I heard the sickening sound of mild clatter from under the hood. When I took my exit, I shifted into neutral, and the engine stalled as I coasted. I restarted, only to find it running a bit rough and struggling to idle. When it did, it idled roughly at 1k rpm and with the oil pressure idiot light blinking. When I revved it gently in neutral to keep it running, I could hear the rattle from the top side of the engine.
It's very disappointing. I have maybe 7k miles on this engine, which has never seen the high side of 8k rpm, nor has seen more than maybe 450-500whp due to a leaky TB shaft, which has kept me from turning up the boost until I receive a (long awaited) replacement. The motor had good oil pressure until this happened, has a full crankcase, and has a mild, clean tune (zero knock). I noted some metal fines on the magnetic drain plug at the last oil change, so IMO that more or less confirms what I feared. I ran the engine just for a few minutes to get home, and won't turn it over again except to perform a compression test to check for bent valves before I do anything else.
This is very disappointing and most unfortunate, but it's all ipso facto at this point. I really wanted not to return to my days of working on a creeper, but I am feeling disgruntled enough with this situation to want to tackle this one myself. I am going to go through this engine with a fine-toothed comb when I do.
It's very disappointing. I have maybe 7k miles on this engine, which has never seen the high side of 8k rpm, nor has seen more than maybe 450-500whp due to a leaky TB shaft, which has kept me from turning up the boost until I receive a (long awaited) replacement. The motor had good oil pressure until this happened, has a full crankcase, and has a mild, clean tune (zero knock). I noted some metal fines on the magnetic drain plug at the last oil change, so IMO that more or less confirms what I feared. I ran the engine just for a few minutes to get home, and won't turn it over again except to perform a compression test to check for bent valves before I do anything else.
This is very disappointing and most unfortunate, but it's all ipso facto at this point. I really wanted not to return to my days of working on a creeper, but I am feeling disgruntled enough with this situation to want to tackle this one myself. I am going to go through this engine with a fine-toothed comb when I do.
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The motor IS built. If it were a factory block with considerable mileage, it wouldn't be unexpected.
Yes, this car does take corners. I also would be willing to bet that #4 is the main issue . I've wondered if lateral G-force is at least partially to blame, and will address that possibility. I will photograph the evidence and report.
Yes, this car does take corners. I also would be willing to bet that #4 is the main issue . I've wondered if lateral G-force is at least partially to blame, and will address that possibility. I will photograph the evidence and report.
If its any consolation, I ran an engine that had an audible rod knock through 5 test days and a 14-hour endurance race. The whole time, it was spitting metal into the oil filter like you read about.
Once I tore the engine down, I found all four rod bearings were shot to hell, but that was the extent of the damage. Oh, the oilpump was a little distressed as a result but still serviceable.
Once I tore the engine down, I found all four rod bearings were shot to hell, but that was the extent of the damage. Oh, the oilpump was a little distressed as a result but still serviceable.
Accusump on the next round, Ted. Sorry to hear about your mishap. I'm looking forward to your inspection and any changes you decide to make while setting things right.
Last edited by CO_VR4; Apr 23, 2009 at 05:59 PM.