If you had worn bearings you would hear a knock when you first start it up cold(before the oil starts pumping). This was the case with the motors i had that had worn crank/bearings/spun bearing. If all else fails i would want to look at the oil pump/ relief valve.

 

I have a small rattle when it first starts up but it's not very noticeable so I hadn't really paid much attention to it.

I have decided I'm just going to pull the engine and be done with it. This way I can replace the bearings and I'll run my brushes thru the oil galleries while I have it a part. I ordered a new rear main seal also for a just in case. Hate having to do all this work but I really want it RIGHT.

 

I'm beat but I got the engine out today after a LOT of work.
Started getting stuff removed from the engine.



Engine is about ready to be pulled.



Well that doesn't look like it's supposed to.



Engine out and sitting on the floor. I'll get the Jeep out of the garage in the morning and then get the engine mounted onto the engine stand. Once I do I can start getting the engine torn down and hopefully find out WTF is happening.



I'll keep you all posted on what I find and if it's something I can't figure out I'm confident that you all can help me figure it out.

 

Do you have quick-connects on everything yet?

 

God knows I probably should by now. Fingers crossed this is the last time I have to mess with this engine for a long while.

 

Got the engine onto the engine stand this morning.



Heads off and disassembling it.



Main caps are ready to come off.



Rod caps next.



#1 main bearing was the worst of them all. Would like if anyone could possibly help explain why?



#2 main bearing



#3 main bearing



#4 main bearing



#5 main bearing



Main bearings on the caps #1-#5



Rod bearings



Rod bearing caps



OK all, may plan now was to put the new bearings in and then plastigauge them to see how they all look. Anything else you all think I should be doing?

 

It looks like there was some debris in the oil..... The number 1 cap is the last to get oil, so, if there was a pressure problem, it's gonna suffer the most.

I would be tempted to completely strip the block down, and send it out to be thoroughly cleaned. Otherwise, you might put it back together, only to find yourself with the same problem in relatively short order.

 

In addition, you can re-drill/enlarge the oil main passages prior to taking the block in for cleaning. You can also massage the rear main cap where the oil pump bolts up to smooth out the oil suction area for better oil flow. You can search the web for detailed oiling enhancement tips for the small block mopar engines..

 

I guess I'm not sure what the difference between when they'd hot tanked the block before and what they'd do now that would be different? I'm not arguing against cleaning it I just don't see how it'd be different.

I'd ran cleaning brushes through all the passages as far as I could when I was assembling it the first time & had sprayed brakcleen into them too.

 

Might be interesting to open up your filter, see what you find.