What if the lockup torque converter clutch is the cause of the main bearing problems?

Posted by Jack Vines On 2016/10/19 20:09:56

For fifty years, the small block Chevy turned relatively high RPMs and never had a main bearing issue. Then, GM went to lockup converters with EFI and computer controlled ignition. This search for fuel economy led them to hold the lockup and put the engine in a hard pull at large throttle openings down in the 1500-2000 RPM range. At the same time, they were using the SBCs in Suburbans and 6,000# pickups The SBCs so equipped began to show main bearing problems.

What if our Packard V8s were experiencing the same conditions; pulling hard in a heavy vehicle against a locked converter? Main bearing issues wouldn't be a surprise.

Yes, the oil pump problems manifest as lifter clatter at idle, but what if the lockup converter is as much the cause of the main bearing wear?

Yes, I'm also investigating some crankshaft design issues. One of the top crankshaft builders in the country is modifying a forged crankshaft for me with radically different counterweights.

jack vines