Engine seized 2 miles after rebuild

[Jack E/NJ]

Lawson Cox>>>Try to crank it again after it cools down.>>>

Did I miss Merc Cruzer's response to Lawson's suggestion? This is probably the first thing I'd try.

Jack E/NJ

[David J]

Ditto on this . And to add we had a racing motor once that did this and the culprit in that case was skirt to wall clearance set for cast pistons and forged pistons used instead . The motor folks can explain this better than me but it DEFINATELY locked it up just like what you are describing . When it cooled down it would turn again . This probably isn't your problem but it is something to add to your list . Let us know watcha find . David J

Originally Posted by Jack E/NJ

Lawson Cox>>>Try to crank it again after it cools down.>>>

Did I miss Merc Cruzer's response to Lawson's suggestion? This is probably the first thing I'd try.

Jack E/NJ

[Halvor]

You have two problems..One the oil pressure gauge does not work, and seconfd the oil in the pan is not circulating.so the pump is bad..

[Merc Cruzer]

The answer is Main bearing: the rear bearing was fine, the center bearing was toast and the front bearing was about to go.

[Bruce Lancaster]

So...autopsy must continue to cause.
Do note that oil route to rear bearing differs from that to other bearings. I would next yank cam timing gear and see if the gallery plug is installed...

[Merc Cruzer]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Bruce:
Yes the galley plug is installed...I took over 300 pictures and videos during the rebuild and I do have that picture....oil pressure was 45 lbs at 30 mph

[Mart]

Ouch!

Can't suggest anything other that what has already been said. Do you think (other than the rear bearing) the bearings had any oil other than assembly lube?

If the rear bearing is ok, the pump must be ok.

Checked the passages at the rear of the block? (see my previous reply - it's a long shot but would cause the failure you have experienced.)

Mart.

[Andy]

It is hard to clean the main oil line. The fuel pump bushing is in the way. I made a special driver to knock it thru to the cam bore. I cleaned the passage with a wire brush and oily rags.I suspect some blockage in the line or around the bushing. You do have the bushing installed? That will drop the pressure. I suspect a blockage rather than a leak.

[Russ/40]

Aside from a possible lubrication problem, consider a bent crank.

[Merc Cruzer]

Andy:

Yes the fuel pump bushing is installed. I cleaned out the oil passage with long wire brushes, then follow up with gun cleaning rags on the bore rods soaked in solvent. Actually I thought the oil pressure was fine....book says 57 lbs at 40 mph, mine was 45 lbs at 30 mph

[FlatheadTed]

I would have thought the rear main would have gone first if it was a lack of of oil since it lubes it first.

[Chris Nelson]

I had a problem not too disimilar. I lost oil pressure due to the new camshaft breaking at the gear that drives the oil pump. The engine ran like a dream, but the pump was not turning.

[GOSFAST]

Just would like to place a "tip" here for all following this post...

when rebuilding these "Flatties" you MUST have the shop remove the crank plugs and clean the throws thoroughly. You will usually always find build-up and debri "caked" up in there. It's worse also if there were any spun bearings previously, if left as-is, the material finds it's way back into the fresh rebuild and just MAY cause the problem mentioned here.

"Boiling" the crank will NOT clean this area!

Not saying it is the issue here, but it definitely needs attention!

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. We drill & tap EVERY crank throw, whether Ford or Merc, for some 3/8" NPT pipe plugs, this is done prior to balancing the unit!

[David J]

Did anyone check the line bore ? Did you plastigauge the mains ? I see it is a replacement block and maybe something happened in the past to it . Seems odd for the rear to be fine - the middle toast and the front going . Also look at how the front is only bad on one end . . Curiosity is gaining momentum on thissun . Good luck . David J

[Kahuna]

1) As said before, was that block drilled for the 95% oil filter system and then not hooked up?
2) Were the oil holes from cam to crank checked for alignment?

My guess is #1

[Merc Cruzer]

Kahuna:

1. yes...both holes were then pluged to be used at a later date.

2. Not sure what your are asking.

[rotorwrench]

Modifications carried out on the oil system have to be well sorted out to make sure the oil gets to all passages as required. If the plugs aren't put in the correct locations, there can be a BIG problem. All the bearings surfaces above and in front of the rear main bearing depend on it.

Kerby

[Merc Cruzer]

Are you saying that due to the modification I now need to install the 95% oil filter system?

[Gumpy]

I agree check the starter before you do anything pull it out....bendix could be stuck on flywheel....happened to me once!

[Merc Cruzer]

Gumpy:

Thank you, that will be the first thing I do....you could be right!

Thanks for the humor, the only good thing I found so far was, it is sure a joy working on a totaly clean engine!!!!!!!!!!!!!