engine knocking

[robs87t]

Hello everyone, I'm new to the site and was hoping someone could help me out. I have an 87 turbo t limited with a 3" THDP,40 lb. inj.,walbro 307,te60,cottons front mount,smc alky,ported stock heads,scanmaster,9" 3k stall,206 cam. Now here's the problem. I had the engine rebuilt and within 64 miles, it was knocking, the #1 rod bearing was down to copper,#2 was a little better and it got progressively better going all the way to #6, the engine builder says its a timing problem. I did put in the cam sensor myself,following instructions to the letter, I am putting new rod and main bearings in it this week and plan to check the timing[ cam sensor,crank sensor] any suggestions or info would be greatly appreciated thanks in advance!

 

[3.8Illusion]

make sure you use proper bearing clearances. http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/engine/enginespecs.html
to set the cam sensor you need to cam sensor tool or the new style cap.
the tool comes with instruction (very easy).
some helpful rebuilding tips
http://gnttype.org/general/rebuild.html
how to set cam sensor
http://gnttype.org/techarea/ecmsensors/camsensor.html

 

[gndemon]

Sounds more like the oil cooler had some trash in it and went in the motor

 

[HellOnWheels]

Timing is in the chip and not the cam sensor. Cam sensor purpose is to sync the fuel injector for starting the engine, actually you can unplug the cam sensor after the engine is fired and the engine will continue to run.

Someone correct if I'm wrong here...

HOW

 

[need boost]

I vote for the oil cooler to! If you have a motor trash on one of these cars do NOT reuse the factory oil cooler in the radiator! The screen in there holds metal and it will go thur your new motor and wipe out the bearings again! Buy you a new oil cooler and get it hooked up, change the bearings out and check the clearances. Good luck Daniel Ray

 

[Red Regal T]

Was the crank machined? I had one machined incorrectly by a supposed expert and wore out the bearings in 300 or 400 miles. I'm just guessing because I never had damage from trash but seems unlikely to me it could start knocking in 60 miles from some leftover trash. You don't have much choice other than pull it or give new bearings a shot. If they go again fast, look to the machine work.

 

[robs87t]

thanks for the info. Yes, the crank was machined, all the work was done by a reputable engine builder, so I'm hoping thats not the case. Later today I'm putting in the new rods and mains, double checking the crank and cam sensors, elliminating the oil cooler until I get a new one, and putting a lower timing chip in it. I'll keep you posted.

 

[Ormand]

Since you are in Mass, you should check with Jack Cotton. "Reputable" engine builders may have built their rep on small block chebbies, or on motorcylces, who knows? The turbo Buick is a little different, and things don't work on their engines that might work fine on other engines. But Jack Cotton, and his staff, KNOW about Buick engines.