Re: Carnage! Tear down of 385ci sbc
 

Any input on what is in that oil passage?

Re: Carnage! Tear down of 385ci sbc
 

Probably just some bearing debries. If it turns out that it's a solid chunk of something, your builder didn't clean his parts very well. Badtoon, I agree with your idea also. These things need to be checked out. With a little luck the culprit will be found.

Re: Carnage! Tear down of 385ci sbc
 

I note that the oil pump pickup is not brazed or welded to the pump. This is mandatory in a boat motor. Not the cause of your failure, but it is very embarrassing to have the pickup fall off. Where are you measuring the oil pressure?

Re: Carnage! Tear down of 385ci sbc
 

Now your taxing my memory it's been a while. I'm suggesting the easy to find problem no S^#*! it's missing cure so you know . With it as torn up as it is it it's going to be difficult to put your finger on the problem and say thats it. Unless your wallet is as big as NASCAR teams so you can't step back and say "SHE DONE BLOWED UP" and get another out of the trailer.

Re: Carnage! Tear down of 385ci sbc
 

IMO it is melted bearing babbit that has flowed into the passage when the crank was screaming hot and when cooled hardened up, was the bearing shell stuck hard to the crank?

Re: Carnage! Tear down of 385ci sbc
 

mbam: It has one tiny spot of weld on the bottom side. I will make sure it has a full bead in version 2.0.

88Fount33: The bearing shell was not stuck to the crank anywhere. Some of the rods did look heat discolored so it obviously got very hot at some point.

grrr.

Re: Carnage! Tear down of 385ci sbc
 

My experience with new cranks these days is that the best thing to do is get them machined for .001 over bearings right out of the box. If you have spent any time measuring this foriegn import crap you will agree. If they loaded an eagle crank in without measuring EVERY journal, I can almost garauntee what happened. Good luck, and I would find a new builder or do it yourself next.

BT :cool:

Re: Carnage! Tear down of 385ci sbc
 

Oh yes. It is NOT going back to the same people!

Re: Carnage! Tear down of 385ci sbc
 

Measure to see that the pickup is about 3/8" from the bottom of the pan.

Re: Carnage! Tear down of 385ci sbc
 

Formula, I see you are in Austin. I have a marine shop in Spicewood and do a lot of high performance engine work. Give me a shout if I can help you with anything. 830 6935591

Bob