DeTomaso Mailing List: May 99, Message #122

Dennis Antenucci wrote:
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 Why did this happen?
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OK the autopsy is complete, and in it is a lesson for everyone.
#8 rod bearing came out, but all the bearings have suffered from OIL
STARVATION. My oil pump and system is fine.
	There was a thread on oil sloshing sideways, big oil pans, etc.

My situation is this, I drove a brand new motor to Vegas breaking it in.
I drove with more gusto (rpm's etc) to the track the next day (about 400
miles total time on the engine) where I would hook up with the truck
carrying my fresh oil and filter, and race tires. well, in the morning
at the track, the truck arrived and could not get in , because the first
run group was under way, so I thought that I would take the opportunity
to see where the new section of the course goes. 1st mistake.

2nd mistake: I didn't check the oil level.

	I drove around for four laps, using 6000 rpm (for the first time) down
the back straight. 3rd mistake: I really should have waited for my fresh
clean oil.

	It is obvious that  an oil pressure loss had taken place, so assuming
1: my oil level was already low, 2: 6000 rpm in two gears (moving a lot
of oil into the valve train)  3: then a right hand sweeper and braking
simultaneously, the oil that was left, sloshed away sideways and
forwards, from the pickup, which is rear center, and that's when I hit
the gas and got more noise than anything else.

Yes, I do have a 10 qt oil pan. 
In the future I will keep a much closer eye on the oil level, and will
probably still add that extra qt 'at the track' just for good measure!

John ( getting real efficient at pulling engines)