As I pulled the rods apart, I noticed the wear, what would cause this? These are the original 2001 OEM bearings with approaching 200k miles. The wear seems to be only on the upper side, as in the half on the connecting rod. It seems to be consistent on all 8 rods.

 

Dang those are some wore out bearings. The top of the bearing is where all the pressure from the power stroke is transfered to. It kind of normal wear, though a bit excessive.

 

Looks pretty normal, but I'm not expert. I found this, if it helps at all...

http://www.agkits.com/bearing-failure-analysis.aspx

 

As I was changing the rear main seal, that main looked fine. Just the rod bearings look like this. So this could be normal wear for 200k? The whole project started with a plenum fix (twas pretty bad), cam swap, new heads, and new exhaust. I dropped the oil pan to install a new gasket and rear main, figured i would check the condition of the rod bearings and rings. sure glad I did now.

Would a blown plenum increase the wear on the rods alone? I can see the issues with bad combustion and powerstoke relationship...

Edit: I just looked at the link, seems like its in the normal-accelerated wear category, given the mileage I would say normal. Thanks, just wanted to make sure before I shove it all back together.

 

If it was mine and not using oil and I was to keep it I'd put rods and mains in it.

 

That wear is caused by firing the engine after the oil has left the bearing surface. it happens every morning, and usually when you go home from work.

 

So it's best to start the truck in the afternoon and not after work, right?

 

Either stay home or stay at work.

 

normal, yes. but they are certainly in need of replacement. replace all rings and bearings before you put it back together.

 

And please spay or neuter your pets.