Found my rod knock. Oil Related.

[RacerX]

Well, it was my fault. I never dissed MMR because they didn't build a long block. Just a nice forged shortblock and I did the rest. I pulled the engine and disassembled most of it. When I pulled the pan, I found a bolt in the bottom... :eek: So as soon as I saw where the bolt came from, I remember assembling the engine and thinking I can't forget to torque the oil pickup tube down on the spacer. Oops... You can see where the pickup tube rested on the bottom of the pan and wore through the paint. I don't know how this engine didn't frag. How it got any oil, I don't know. I thought oil pressure was low with 15/17psi at idle and 85 at WOT. Good part is, not a spec of metal in the oil or in the filter. Between the ZDDP and the clevite bearings, which took the brunt of the oil loss, the rest of the engine is A-OK. Over 3,000 miles on it too. Yeah, yeah, pics...

Here's the bolt (reinstalled) and some wear on the pickup tube.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/579/medium/DSC05138a.jpg (javascript:;)

Nice ring worn in the pan that matches pickup mouth...
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/579/medium/DSC05139a.jpg (javascript:;)

Bearings, brand new on the left, cap side, piston side, cap, piston.
You can see where the pistons threw that side bearing into the crank.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/579/medium/DSC05143.JPG (javascript:;)

Cylinder walls look great on either side and crank looks great considering.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/579/medium/DSC05136.JPG (javascript:;)

DOH!!!

I'm writing this so maybe someone else won't make such a simple mistake.

[dohc324ci]

Good you found it; could be alot worse.

[Mr. Man]

Shi*t happens, fix it, have a scotch, listen to a little of that NH banjo pickin' and try and catch fireflies while wearing your snow boots...it's all good:beer:

[MOTOWN]

At least its fixable, ventilation aint!

[sailsmen]

Don't feel too bad. When I went to change my oil I was all set up, absorbent pad, plastic mat, oil drain tub and I got a call.

Went back and undid the oil pan plug, got another call. Went back and the first thing I see is a wave of black oil running down the driveway! I forgot to pull the plug on the oil drain tub. Double DUHHHHH!

"And up through the ground came a bubblin crude.

Oil that is, black gold, Lousiana sweet tea.

Well the first thing you know ol sailsmen's a millionaire,
Kinfolk said "sailsmen move away from there"
Said "Californy is the place you ought not be"

That lasted half a nano second. Left with cleaning up a mess with no rest till it was done and then I had some FUN!

[babbage]

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/579/medium/DSC05136.JPG (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:;)



This is a sexy shot. Nice looking pistons. perfectly clean. How many times did you change the oil in that 3000 miles? The oil pickup must work tons better being surrounded by oil... :D:D Glad no major harm came.

[RacerX]

Hehe! Let me tell you, I ran dino for first 500, changed it and filters twice, always checking for any metal at all. Used Royal Purple then Amsoil with some ZDDP and Moly added because of the knocking sound that slowly increased in decibels.

[massacre]

Glad to hear you found the problem Bill!
And the inside of your motor is incredibly clean.
And let me know when you're ready.....

[Chevyguy]

Hmm pretty sure I did not torque wrench that bolt on my 2V but it was tightened down good

http://i348.photobucket.com/albums/q329/folingo/1996%20Town%20Car%20Signature/Engine%20Swap/SL372361.jpg

[RacerX]

When I say I didn't torque it down, I had it finger tight... :lol:

[CBT]

When I say I didn't torque it down, I had it finger tight... :lol:

I'm thinking you should let me have it to check out this time. I will send resultz in year or three. :beer: