[Kurt in NJ]

My engine was rebuilt by a company recommended by a local restorer (1970 era), 3000 miles later(10 years) the rear main was crumbs, 2 other local people had engines done the same place but not installed, we decided to take a look---the first one had oil grooves, hole drilled for oil, but the wadding was still in the pipe, the next engine didn't have oil grooves or the hole drilled, these were assembled by the rebuild shop short blocks, they could have the same problem you are having if they were started, also that shop set the engines up real tight -I had to pull on the hand crank to help the starter get it moving--this was over 25 years ago ,don't know if the place is still doing babbitt work or still open