I was thinking about pulling that stock cam out of the new long block and running it in the old block until I got the new block converted to roller and built up. But when I pulled the oilpan, I found these. If they are the outside layer of a cam lobe, I will go ahead and add the new cam. But if you guys think they may be something else, let me know and I might just start pulling parts off this engine and moving to the new block.
Just do the other engine,Those floaties are a sure sign of havoc waiting to be unleashed.Have you looked at the crank in your car now, yet???Looks like peeled cam lobe.
I am hoping it is peeled cam lobe. Since I am losing nothing if I do it, I am going to put the cam from my new block into the old one, new Rotella oil and filter for a hundred miles, drop it and swap oil and filter again with Rotella, and just see what happens. I will also use the stock 1.6 rockers on it. The 1.7s will go on the new block with new cam and new springs to match. I have a couple of guys helping me out with building the new block up to a roller cam and lifters. Hope to put a better converter behind it and have a really good running motor when I am done. If this old block lasts 6 months, that is fine for me. I should be done with the roller motor by then. Edit, Cam bearings have some slight lines in them, I have pics on another thread. Cannot feel them, but they can be seen clearly. It is the main bearings I worry about.
While I had the pan off, I'd go ahead and check the rod and main bearings, one at a time. The crank may already be scored, may not be. I would want to know just where a big chunk of metal like that came from before I put it back together and ran it and ruined a good crank or block....
OK, What else was in the pan? Lots of fine shavings? Whats inside the oil filter??? Cut it apart and look. If there is alot of shavings in the filter, and in the pan, count on the bearings to be damaged. But, say there isnt shavings,, Clean and flush the oil pump to filter passages as best as possible, Id say thats where most of the fines would be if it did not reach past the filter,, maybe,, leave the filter off, and pour in some kerosine or diesil fuel, rootate the oil pump with a drill and catch the liquid comming out of the filter inlet with a paint filter, see what comes out,, Put on a new filter, now, its this point is the point of no return,, Kinda,, if anythng made it past the filter, its going straight to the mains and rods, so if there is anything there,, thats where its headed. If you flush the system with the filter on, fluid should reach the cam bearings,,, so leave the cam and lifters out, and see what comes out of the cam passages. You should see that ASAP soon as the fluid passes thru. Seen lobes do that before,, peels the hardened top layer off and expose the softer metal, lay the pieces up against the cam and you might see where they came from,,, Lot of work, might be worth it, might be easier to swap em out, that new engine you got isnt even broke in yet. hope the rings in that cyl are ok,, Good Luck!
I didn't read all this until 5pm, and I already put the engine back together again. I used the cam and lifters from my "new" engine. Figured I would run it with the 1.6 rockers and have something to drive while I build my "new" engine into a roller conversion. I found more of the same in the oil pan when I was cleaning it out. No small stuff, just flakes like these. I have the oil filter draining into a cup, nothing came out yet, and will try to cut it open tomorrow (any suggestions on how to cut open an oil filter without cutting my hands up?). I am going to use the old block as an experiment. See how long it lasts. Should have my other engine finished before spring with pretty heavy roller cam, 2800-3000 stall converter, etc. So if the old one runs 6 months, I will be more than happy. If it runs for 6 minutes, then I have learned a lesson and am only out the price of new oil, filter, and gaskets... and a couple hours labor. Actually, I was thinking of starting a "pool" where everyone on here places bets to see how many miles the engine lasts. Whoever guesses right gets half the money I gather when it craters. I use the other half now to build up my new engine. Sounds good, doesn't it
And to think, you could have put that new block in, ran it until you could afford the parts you want, and not ruined any parts.
