Hello, new to the group. I did a 5.2 5.9 swap recently with a wrecking yard motor in my 01. After about 1000km (yuuup. I'm canadian) the oil showed major signs of metal and lifter noise. Ok no big deal. I went with a remanufactured motor from a reputable builder for the second motor. 1000km, wiped the bearings out of the motor. After getting my motor back from warranty, I'm about 400km into it and pulled the filter and found trace amounts of metal in it. As of now it is not an oil pressure issue. Pressures are good. Slight lifter noise when real hot. Now, before I rip apart another motor I need some ideas here. I know 360s are externally balanced. The harmonic and flexplate are from a 96 360. I've seen too many conflicting arguments about having to change the torque converter when you do this swap. Does anyone know for sure? Cuz right about now it seems like it would make sense if something was out of balance. Also, Anyone hear of oil pickups cracking in these engines? ANY info is appeciated. Thx.

 

I wonder if the t/c is is being pushed back all the way, and fully engaging the dogs on the pump? If it isn't, it will force the crank forward when you bolt the trans up, and thrash the thrust bearing on the crank in pretty short order.

That said, I expect SOME metal after a fresh motor is installed. If it is extremely fine filings, and not many of them, I would drive it some more, and see what happens.

Lifter noise when 'real' hot? How hot is that? Are you sure it is actually lifter noise? Not spark knock is it? (marbles in a tin can sound.)

How old is your radiator?

Welcome to DF!

 

Ya converter is definitely double locked. Made triple sure of that. And Ya, it's definitely lifter noise.

 

If you hear a little clickity clickity when the hood is up and you're leaning near the valve covers, that's normal to me. Once its broken in, switch to a little thicker oil and it should quiet down when warm (operating temp.) but be a bit noisy at startup. Oil pumps can grenade if not installed properly. They attach to the rear bearing cap and are driven by a shaft from the distributor. What brand engine did you use?

 

Engine came from crosstown engines in Toronto. Torque is definitely locked in cuz I had to pull it 1/4" forward to bolt to the flexplate. The metal in the oil is not bad yet but i dont wana grenade another motor. After 2 blow ups u tend to get very nervous and paranoid.

 

Ok, so, t/c isn't the cause.

Quite honestly, if the motor is installed properly, (and that does indeed seem to be the case) and it STILL grenades....... then it may be time to find a different rebuilder....