Rod Bearing Failures

[jpetillo]

Brian M, when checking the engine at idle speed, what RPM do you recommend that to be?

John

[budawe]

Generally under 1000rpm

[jpetillo]

Thanks - it does seem to make a difference when checking.

[budawe]

It's especially true if it's a full flow system with remote cooling and filtration.

[problemchild]

I prefer to use a 20psi switch to a light, or set the alarms as such (on your DA system), so that the light flickers as the pressure drops down at various places on the track. The driver can "read" what is going on in the engine as the oil temp and level change. Assuming the driver is patient and tuned in enough to learn what is going on, it is a great tool.

In general, if the builder is doing the same thing to all his engines, and some fail, while others do not, then he is NOT doing the same thing to all his engines. Assuming that the oil level is being set properly, it comes down to attention to detail and quality of the machine work. That is why the good builders do as much "in house" as they can and rely on trusted machine shops.

The human error factor is mostly in the oil level setting process. No two engines are the same, just as no two car installations are the same. Some engines just cannot be set accurately when the engine is running. I was personally more comfortable checking the level immediately following the engine running (1-2 seconds) but used the running method when it proved consistent. If in doubt, put in too much oil. Every engine builder will tell you that some of his customers are more likely to blow up engines, despite all the instruction in the world. If they knew why they would stop it.