Its the rocker end. They all seem to be wearing out in the same way. I was told that it might be low oil presser and that the whole engine might be wearing out. Is there a way to check the crank barrings with out pulling the engine? I dont have access to an engine hoist right now.

 

I could tell it was the rocker side. The lifter side pretty much doesn't wear. I think its just lived a long life. This is a good example of why oil changes ae important. Its not toast. I bet the mains aren't in the greatest shape. The metal from the push rods had to go through the motor to get to the filter.

How is the running oil pressure while hot? At idle. Thats how I know. Motors with bearings going with sit below 10psi I have had a ouple idle at zero. But a SBC will run forever, it just designed that well. I guess you could jack the motor up and drop the pan, then pull a main or rod cap.That is just too much work with the motor in the car. Specially torqing them back down. Not alot of room.

In the end, maybe buy a set of cheap rods. Then run it until she tells you its time to rebuild.

 

I got ''The budget'' to give me a little more room to move. I'm borrowing a hoist and I bought a new stand.

 

Matches my hoist.

 

Spent the better part of the morning pulling off all the smaller bolt on parts.
Water pump, fuel pump, starter, ect....
I decided I would bust the motor mount bolts lose. The mounts are so far gone that the bolts not only slid right out, but I cant even tell if there's anything left in there. Only has the trans bolts holding her in place. I'm really looking forward to presser washing the engine bay and giving it a good coat of paint.

 

Shes out and on the stand!!!!
Took me long enough.....lol
Tomorrow starts the tear down to see how bad the damage is.

 

You already have half the weight out of the motor right there... you and a friend could pull that out with a rope and a two by four.... but then again, the lift would be safer... a quick spray with Mineral spirits will break down the oil and grime before you pressure wash it without damaging the paint.

 

That sounds good, thanks for the tip.
I was holding the block and stand steady while my wife worked the lift. Its alot easier to do with some one helping.
Btw, I found the casting number on the back of the block.
14093638

 

Got this far today. I'm pulling the timing gears in the morning. I cant wait to get it steam blasted and painted.

 

Today, I got it down to the block. I found that it has roller lifters, and has been to the machine shop once before. The cam has me worried tho. The repair book calls for end play in thousands of an inch. My cam moves about an eighth of an inch..... The bolts on the front of the gear had scratched a grove into my timing cover. Thoughts????