Okay, so i have been having slight knocking between 3000 and 4500rpms and a drop in oil pressure on my 2003 VIII, and decided to drop my oil pan to check the bearings last night. As i suspected, copper flakes at the bottom of the pan was a clear indicator that i had spun the bearings.
So now that i have no option but to rebuild, i am seeking recommendations or advice. I was talking to a co-worker of mine about the problem and was explaining how I'll probably just replace the crank, oil pump, rods, and bearings. He told me that a buddy of his did the same and spun the bearings immediately after rebuilding within 50 miles of breaking it in, so he recommended that i replace the block and head or just buy another engine altogether.
Anyone have the same problem or have any advice/solutions???

 

usualy only replace the block, if its cracked. U can bore it out or sleeve it, if the bore is bad and end gap isnt in spec. Id replace the crank,rods,pistons all bearing all seals all gaskets and clean out the oil system like crazy and i mean clean it out crazy. Here in chicago i have a machine shop that can sleeve for 60 a bore, and will do all the motor work including magnaflux,shotpeen and paint for 250 and install the bearings/pistons/rings/crank. Id have the machine shop install the bearings, it can be tricky and if you dont do it right youll wreck it withen 50miles. Plasti gauge is your friend.

 

thanks for the advice, if only i was closer to chicago i would hit you up for that. Ill look for a good machine shop in the area that can do that.

 

you do not have to replace the block. I had the same thing happen to me. New crank, bearings, all gaskets, oil pump, etc etc.
Make sure you do NOT reuse the oil cooler as it will have shavings trapped in it. Either get a new one or delete it.
Follow a good break-in schedule for the motor, do NOT **** that up.
Good luck with the rebuild

 

New block is not necessary if you have machine shop clean it out properly. New oil cooler for sure. Make sure you use the correct oil weight for new build. Also be sure to check oil level frequently