Re: V-8 engine design flaws

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2010/1/23 20:52:36

My somewhat limited experience says the first bearings to show problems are mains, often #3 first. I've not heard of rod bearing problems.

I'd say the minimum mandatory change is to have the oil pump rebuilt by someone who will install a shaft sleeve bushing. Some would say that replacing the vacuum pump with a solid lower plate and support bearing is mandatory, but I'd say it's suggested but not essential, but lack of support at the shaft bottom is a design weakness.

What is also essential for 55 and early 56 is to change the front camshaft thrust plate (forget the right name for it) with the later replacement part, or buy the repro from Jack Vines. This was a running change, as was changes to the oil holes int he rocker shafts.

Any engine of the 50s that claims a million miles with nothing sounds highly suspect to me. At the very least a valve grind or two must have occurred, and I'd be suprised if there wasn't a bit more.