There are certainly some worms. A pan full of metal and 3 of 4 main bearings spun:




Now the question is whether my failure to heed ARP's advice and align hone the main bores caused it - or if the oil pump failed and caused the bearings to spin. Chicken or egg....... I guess it doesn't really matter since I'm gonna need a new barnyard.

I removed the relief valve from the pump - found no debris at all.... but the plunger/piston above the spring hangs in the bore..... sorta sticky.

Who was it that said "When you find yourself up to your arse in alligators, it's no time to wonder who drained the swamp".

My guess is that the relief valve hung open and starved the bearings - otherwise, I think I would have seen higher pressure after the bearings spun.

Back to the engine stand it goes for another full rebuild - after I find time to remove it and take the block for align honing - and yes, a new OE oil pump will go back in.

Frank