Metal in the Oil - Page 3

Ben Kallies · 05-20-2011, 05:08 AM

After a cam failure a couple of years ago, I recently rebuilt my 454/365 stocker engine with a new cam and Smith lifters, new oil pump and pickup, bearings, rings, timing chain, etc., along with making a few upgrades.

After nothing more than 6 Dyno pulls on the engine, I drained the oil before installing the engine in the car, and I'm a little concerned with the amount of metal in the oil. I used Royal Purple assembly lube for the rotating assy, ARP assy lube on the bolts, and I broke the engine in using Comp Cams break in oil. The oil looks more metallic than I'm comfortable with, and the magnetic drain plug had a little something on it.

Because I'm gun shy from the last failure, I pulled the cam and lifters, just to inspect them, and they appear to be fine. Since I was that far, I also pulled the oil pan, and checked the main and rod bearings. The rod bearings are flawless, and the mains showed minor wear on the outside edges. The only thing I found that appeared a bit excessive was the wear on the cam bearings. I haven't removed them yet, so I can only see the front bearing.

I've included some pictures on the attached link

http://3869ben.shutterfly.com/

My machine shop owner, a former Comp racer, tells me that this is normal wear, and that the metal in the oil is due to break in, and will gradually improve over time.

Anyone want to weigh in on this? I'd appreciate your input. Thanks

Ben Kallies
B/S 3869

05-20-2011, 05:08 AM	#1
Ben Kallies Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 107 Likes: 2 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Metal in the Oil After a cam failure a couple of years ago, I recently rebuilt my 454/365 stocker engine with a new cam and Smith lifters, new oil pump and pickup, bearings, rings, timing chain, etc., along with making a few upgrades. After nothing more than 6 Dyno pulls on the engine, I drained the oil before installing the engine in the car, and I'm a little concerned with the amount of metal in the oil. I used Royal Purple assembly lube for the rotating assy, ARP assy lube on the bolts, and I broke the engine in using Comp Cams break in oil. The oil looks more metallic than I'm comfortable with, and the magnetic drain plug had a little something on it. Because I'm gun shy from the last failure, I pulled the cam and lifters, just to inspect them, and they appear to be fine. Since I was that far, I also pulled the oil pan, and checked the main and rod bearings. The rod bearings are flawless, and the mains showed minor wear on the outside edges. The only thing I found that appeared a bit excessive was the wear on the cam bearings. I haven't removed them yet, so I can only see the front bearing. I've included some pictures on the attached link http://3869ben.shutterfly.com/ My machine shop owner, a former Comp racer, tells me that this is normal wear, and that the metal in the oil is due to break in, and will gradually improve over time. Anyone want to weigh in on this? I'd appreciate your input. Thanks Ben Kallies B/S 3869 Last edited by Ben Kallies; 05-20-2011 at 05:11 AM.