Oil pressure problems!

[TonyMadrid]

Seems that fuel got into the oil, possibly through a bad fuel pump and it thinned out the oil to the point that it broke down the lube of the cylinder walls and the bearings.

Dropped the pan and pulled two main caps and one rod cap. The thrust bearing finish had washed right off and the bearing was worn so bad you could see copper. The other main and the rod bearing were also worn but not down to copper. Thrust bearing journal is no longer smooth but it doesn't appear to be scored. It appears that it is coated with either contaminated oil residue or bearing material.

Spoke with the machist who built the block and as for the course of action, the machinist recommends the following:

Pull the engine and dissamble it. Examine the cam bearings for wear to determine if they also need replacement. I will also mic the cam lobes and check the lifters for wear to be sure that they broke in well. If they're out of spec, only cure is a new cam & lifter set (about $105.00).

As for the crank journals, the machinist advised me to use 600 emery and lightly polish the journals to see if they'll clean up. If not or if there is evidence of scoring, the crank has to go out for at least a machine polishing, if not a surface grind. According to the manuals I have, cranks can be ground to .020, but the machinist doesn't seem to feel that my crank will be in need of a re-grind. The local engine machine shop charges about $100.00 for the machine polishing.

He strongly advises that since the engine will be apart I should replace the rings, which I will do. As for the cylinder walls, I have to wait 'til I get the engine apart and examine the walls. If the crosshatching is fine, no problem. However, if there is any scarring, he suggests re-honing the cylinders.

Called my parts guy and everything except for the cam & lifters amounts to about $125.00.

So, best scenario is $125.00 and worst is about $330.00.

If you don't hear from me anytime soon, it's because I am locked in my shop working. The Mrs. has already been advised to serve all meals to me in the shop.

Thanks again for all your help and insight.

Your NY Cobra Buddy,

TonyMadrid