Tore into the motor today

For those who where at the MCCI Roundup Nationals this weekend and helped me out with the motor issue, thank you very much. For those who where not there, We got about 80 miles away from the hotel and the motor started ticking at idle, thought it was a lifter so we continued on. When we pulled of the high way it was knocking pretty bad. Going down the highway it was not noticeable, but when you stopped it was bad. Well the wife and I pulled it apart today and found out what went bad. The #4 piston is destroyed. not sure why but the piston and block are trashed. there is .018 in wore off the side of the piston, it rattled around in the cylinder. I hope to have another 302 rebuilt and in the car by next weekend.

 

Sorry that you had problems at the MCCI Roundup Nationals. I knew it sounded like a pretty serious issue when you pulled up in the hotel parking lot.

At least you were still able to enter your car in the show! Good luck with the new motor!

 

Wow....that looks bad!! Amazing you made the last 80 miles.

 

I found a 69 302 out of a Ranchero, going to go look at it today. I'll rebuild the short block and put my top end on it, should have it running in a week or so. While I have it out I'm going to lower the Rod & Custom mounts. the motor sits about 1 1/2 in taller than stock. it looked like i can lower it without issue.

 

How does the #4 rod bearing look? That's where the oil gets thrown from to lube the cylinder wall.

 

So sorry that you need a new motor. Glad you made it to the roundup. Was nice to meet you. Hopefully we'll see you next year. Good luck on getting a new motor in the car....

 

The rod and main bearings look good. I had 60lbs oil pressure the hole way there.

 

We pulled the 69 motor apart yesterday, it's well used but in good shape. The cylinder walls look really good. It has the 8.9 cr pistons. with my aluminum heads it should end up around 9.5- 10.0 cr. I'm happy with that.

 

Wow....lowering the mounts turned out to be a large undertaking. I should have it buttoned up today I hope. Then we should be able to drop the new motor in this weekend

 

will that effect the pinion angle?

 

The MII raised it up, I'm just lowering it back down.

 

New 69 302 is ready to install. Unfortunately I have to work 12 hours Friday,Saturday and Sunday so it will have to wait till Monday.

 

A little more done....Back on 12hrs for a couple of days...should be running Friday

 

Progress looks good.

 

Looks great Rich! Like all the room in the engine bay. Hope to catch you nx month at NSRA if you plan on coming again.
Hope you get worked out to your satisfaction.