<VV> Re: Rods

[Hubert A Smith]

,  
> contactsmu@sbcglobal.net writes:
> 
> Is this something I likely did to myself by not paying close enough  
> attention on the drive home, pushing it too hard during the 
> break-in,   or does this occasionally happen to the best of  rebuilds?
------------------------------------------
Smitty Says;  Steve you can change the rod bearings in the block.  There
are risks involved.  Back to that in a moment.  Did you cause the
problem?  Hard to say.  Even the best mechanics lose an engine once in a
while.  Usually 500 miles of considerate driving are enough to get you
over the "New Engine" hump.  Attention to detail is your only defence. 
Never (NEVER) trust a machine shop or a re manufacturer of parts.  They
also make mistakes and their next one might be yours.  Always use
plastigage to check bearings (unless you have, and are skilled with,
micrometers) (both inside and outside).  Now back to the risks.
        The fact that the oil pressure went away combined with a noise
indicates a bearing went away.  When the bearing went (if that's what it
was) You may have ingested enough metal in the oil that it will trash the
new bearings you install.  ME? I'd take a chance on the oil filter taking
care of that.  Next, you will have to evaluate the usability of the crank
journal where the bearing failed.  Any grooves or scrapes you can feel
dragging a fingernail over them are too bad to risk.  This is all jumping
the gun though.  First see what you got.