Re: [Chevelle-List] Thrust bearing failure

[Don]

If it's only eating up the rear thrust bearing face & you are sure the crank, rods, etc are in good condition, then I'd say it HAS to be a flywheel/clutch-Flexplate/Converter or trans problem.  Is it an automatic or standard? Maybe a VERY slim chance of a Harmonic Balancer problem. I doubt it but I've heard they can do strange things when they get out of balance. Sorry I can't help more but that's all that I can think of. Do you have access to an engine stand that you can run the engine without the trans installed? Don Thanks for your input. I’m afraid I already covered all the suggestions you made, some of them more than once. The crank does need a little end play. GM calls for 5 to 7 thousandths. I set mine up at 7 every time. I had the crank checked out by a different machine shop the last time and they didn’t find anything out of the ordinary.   [EMAIL PROTECTED] asked if I used ARP main bolts and the oil pump problems that can create. Those are about the only bolts I didn’t use ARP for.   Oil pressure isn’t the problem. I have plenty. I haven’t had any problems with the bearing surfaces of any bearings. The only surface with a problem is the rear thrust face of the rear main. The forward thrust face doesn’t even appear to have had any load put against it. Something is forcing the crank forward with an incredible force to do the damage it does in such a short time.   Bill     -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] On Behalf Of Don Sent: Saturday, December 28, 2002 3:04 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Chevelle-List] Thrust bearing failure   Bill, Check the oil pump carefully. It must be seated properly. Also I'd have the crank "mic'd" to ensure that it hasn't been turned. If it has, you have to have the proper undersize bearings or they'll go out everytime. It also may need to be turned if it's out of round or has any rough spots. Both will cause bearing failure. Another thing is check the end play of the crankshaft with all bearings installed. If the crank is moving back & forth it'll kill the thrust bearing. These are just some ideas, hope they help. Don         Thanks for the input. I checked out your suggestion. I was hoping I might find what you describe…no such luck.   Bill     -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, December 28, 2002 4:08 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Chevelle-List] Thrust bearing failure   I have heard of this same problem and it turned out to be a clogged oil hole passage. The BB Chevy has oil holes cross drilled in the block. Some have pipe plugs on the end of the holes one goes thru the oil filter area. Also on the back of the block if the pipe plugs go in too deep it can close off the oil hole