Response
With any engine build, there are many variables involved that can cause premature engine failure. Whether it’s a product defect, or human error, problems can and do happen. When it comes to assigning responsibility for an engine failing, one must first determine the cause of the failure. In this particular case, we did have an opportunity to inspect the components so that we could assess the cause and ultimately help the customer solve the problem.
It is important to note that this was a short block build, with cam and customer supplied front cover installed (after we went through it of coarse), and was shipped as such. When it came to us for inspection, we were provided the cylinder heads and oil pan. The pan had visible signs of excessive amounts of silicone which had squeezed inside the block. Keep in mind we did not install the oil pan. One rod bearing was heavily damaged and the others were shined. The thrust bearing was also worn on the backside from the crankshaft having pressure applied to it during operation. As one can view from the pictures, all of the bearings were shined significantly which is caused by contact with the crankshaft, which is caused by either lack of oil or clearance. With .002” of oil clearance, there is only LACK OF OIL TO BE THE CAUSE. There are several things that must be done properly after an engine leaves our control (especially on a shortblock) to ensure proper lubrication and many other things. Once it is no longer in our possession, we have no ability to ensure that it is done properly to prevent a failure. I wish there was a way for us as engine builders to ensure that everything is done properly after it leaves our facility, but there is not.
We torqued and checked each of the main and rod bearing clearances again after disassembly which resulted in all perfect tolerances. The oil passages were clear and the bearings, crankshaft and components show no sign of contamination.
Because this problem is oil related, we inspected the oil pump drive shaft. There were no signs of any tooling used to prime the pump. However, the customer did note that he did prime the pump with a drill and that he received a reading of approx. 30 PSI ??? Those that have primed and inspected oiling systems do understand that using a drill to prime an oiling system will easily produce 55+ PSI. The customer stated that the running oil pressure was approx. 65#. This is the pressure that should have been observed during priming. This discrepancy leads us to question the priming process again. We inspected the front cover and all was within proper tolerances.
Everything that we observed during the inspection process shows signs that the oil pump either was not primed or was improperly primed. With no visible markings on the oil pump drive shaft, as are commonly produced during the priming process with a drill, we are leaning towards a lack of priming altogether. Keep in mind we have seen people fail to prime oil systems in our many years of professional engine building and the damage produced is eerily similar.
In an attempt to help this customer, we offered to repair the damage at a steeply reduced price. We felt this to be more than fair since the engine was starved of oil and not because of contamination, clearances, or anything else that we have any control over. The customer decided to remove the engine from our shop and was not billed for the disassembly and inspection.
While it is unfortunate that this customer is not satisfied with the outcome, as we are not either, it does highlight some of the problems engine builders face in this industry. Especially when building short blocks, the build leaves the shop and gets placed in the hands of those with varying skill levels. Thankfully most of those that receive our engines are finished, installed and tuned by skilled customers or professionals. Unfortunately some are not. And while we stand behind our builds 110%, we simply can not insure work which should have been performed by the customer and/or their installers and tuners.
I have two kids and teach them to be responsible and accountable. If they make a mistake, they must deal with the consequences. Depending on the situation, I may help them reduce their pain but under no circumstances will I allow them to push the responsibility on to someone else. The lack of this mindset is a growing problem in our society and I hope the members of this board and community can appreciate this. I feel for this customer which is why we offered to help, but I can not stomach paying for someone else’s mistake.
While posted by me (Bill), this response comes directly from Bryan Weber.
