Recent content by Banjobird

2nd update, first of all thanks for all the comments. When I called the machine shop to report the failure, he did admit that the #5 cam bearing is hard to line up on a Mopar to keep the oil holes indexed and also said that if the bearing is not perfectly true, the cam can walk it out. Also...

Ok, found the problem. I removed the intake manifold and valley cover. #5 cam bearing is spun and has migrated forward unloading oil passages. Pulling engine now and machine shop says if block is damaged, they will line bore the rear cam bearing journal and install a bushing. Says the cam...

With pan off, I placed the pick-up tube in a bowl of oil and then ran the drill. Didn't take much to find problem. See final result in full post below.

Pickup tube is perfect and tight.

That is the area where major oil leak is coming from. Would it do this after 150 miles of normal driving though? Cam was well lubed when installed, engine break-in on dyno and running Joe Gibbs break-in oil.

oil pump relief is free and not scored.

Yes, builder said cut open filter to check for metal from spun cam bearing. Filter was ok. Also said to pull oil pump and ck for broken o-ring on top of housing that would pull air. 0-ring good. With pan removed, oil is not coming from front cover area, it is gushing down from above the rear...

No external leaks or oil dripping from torque convertor housing if plug on rear of block was out. Before removing pan, I also ran engine with each side valve cover off and no bent push rods or excess oil from valve train/rocker shafts. Running 440 Source roller rockers.

I have talked to several Mopar guys in my area and heard all the stories about "strange" causes for failure but all has checked out on this motor and tube and all is clean.

New member so bear with me as I learn this tech stuff. Just finish 1968 Road Runner tribute car with a well built 440 stroker. Everything new and short block was machine shop built. Mellings oil pump, Milidon 6 qt pan with matching pickup tube. Built as strong street motor. Had 70 psi oil...