Here is why in only 3hrs I spun a bearing...

[Clois Harlan]

But first I am going to give you all the symptoms and what was checked and NOT checked.

At initial start up the oil pressure came up just as it should but while breaking in the cam the pressure began to fall and fluctuate around 25 lbs. There was some discussion about the oil pump and length of my AN 10 remote oil lines and the size of my oil cooler. So the decision was made to replace the oil pump, pickup and high pressure spring kit. Pressure seemed to stabalize after warm up at 45 lbs. Oil pressure seemed normal and the operating temperature was normal as well.

AS IT TURNED OUT THE PROBLEM WAS that one of us (probably me) put the oil filter adapter GASKET that goes between the block and the filter adapter on backwards. The oil pressure was strong enough to push a hole in the paper gasket to allow some oil to circulate, but it wasn't enough to save the engine. No oil to the rear of the engine means a lot of trouble and cost. I should have the engine back later this week (new 7 & 8 rods and pistons, all new bearings, gaskets, a real good vat, new oil cooler and we chose to only turn the crank to 0.30 rather than replacee it .

Just carelessness and no other excuses. As you may recall we finished the "break in" on the Wednesday before I left for Omaha and then I loaded the car in the trailer for the race on Thursday. I was in too big of a hurry! Another thing, although my machinist has offered to cover the cost I don't intend to let him accept all this responsibility.


True Confessions!

Clois