Lesson learned the hard way. Previous post I explained the dumb thing I had done on not tapping the oil galley plugs behind the timing cover, for pipe plugs. Blew out one of the press in's and lost oil pressure on the fresh 331 engine. Being old and a bit on the forgetful side, decided that since I had shut off the motor after crossing finish line at 6800 rpm(1000ft track) I had saved the engine, just pulled the timing cover and replaced the plug. Figured it was to much work and time consuming to pull the engine and check the bearings etc. This is in a 78 Fairmont and uses double sump pan which cannot be removed. Fired it up and had 80lbs of pressure and sounded ok. Went to the track last Sat. and made some decent passes on it, keeping an eye on pressure and temp. all seemed fine. New LED lites are great for us half blind people, had a .519 first time out and then in next two the worst light was .539. 60ft were 1.57 to 1.59, 1/8th mile was 7.03 to 13. But alas on the fourth run my lack of using brains and not checking those bearings, the #8 rod let loose at 6500 and took out the block, crank, aluminum head(furthest from the oil pump) and put me out of business. Very mad at myself, Monetary wise, cannot afford to rebuild another one so am going to put a very stock type 302 together just to have the car movable on its own power. Point of this is to never try and cut corners, if in doubt on something. Ends up more expensive and aggravating than if you had done it right to start with. Should have known better at my age, those Eagle rods are tough but can still snap if the situation is right.
checkin things out dang it...tough break Dave. Sad but true you gotta keep on top of things.Sorry it happened but I wish you my best...Jim
I hate to hear that Dave. I think I know how you feel. Really eats on me whenI knew better in the first place. I guess we all do it. I hope some good luck comes your way and you can get back into another race motor. Dan
Sorry Dave to hear about your engine, I hate it when stuff like that comes back to haunt you. I sure it is very discouraging and disappointing after putting all that time and money into it, and then get shut down so to speak at the beginning of the race season.
Hey there.......sorry to hear about that. I always hate to hear something like this has befallen a friend. Hope everything starts looking up, and I know you'll find a way to get back in there! TAke care, Preston
One man's misfortune is another man's wisdom. Sorry to hear it but it makes for one hell of a reminder. Good luck to you and keep us up to date.
I feel your pain. Recently My block cracked at the main webbings. Not to mention MY SUPER machine shop guy let his not so super apprentice put my motor together for my cougar. The dipstick was not pulled out of timing cover SO I broke it removing it. I thought oh well a little work, then to my utter dismay I seen shiny glass beads all over the place. The helper never ran the timing cover through the washer after glass beading it. Anywho taking back MOnday and The real machinist is covering the labor and parts to do a complete teardown and start over from scratch.
Ouch...I'm more and more dismayed at the degrees of competency at auto shops. Their are shops around that I wouldn't let them change a tire on my vehicles. Their is a shop that does all my everyday driver work. But their is only ONE guy that touches the Mav other than myself. A third generation mechanic with 30 years of experience, Now I pay for it but I sleep easier at night too.
Dang, Dave. Sorry to hear the news. I know how much work, time, and money you put into that engine. And I know it must've been a blast racing it too. You have the right attitude though. You'll have something else going soon. Good luck and keep us posted, Rick
Dave- Sorry for the tough break. Luckily it's just a motor though and something tells me you can build something even better without too much trouble. I'm excited that mine is still running strong. Got about a year and a half on it now. Not bad for a motor built under the influence of large amounts of Corona and in this shop:
