[Greg Reid]

Originally Posted by Lightfoot

I've got a nearly identicle testimony, Greg.

I had a '78 Grand Am, Y code 301. At about 140K, or a little before, I had noticed the upper half of the dipstick getting rusty just as you discribed. No milkshake oil, but there was a small bit of yellow residue at the very top of the dipstick, and I had oil contaminating the air filter via the valve cover breather.
One day I desided to drain about a quart out of the pan to see if there was any coolant in there, after letting it sit over night (so the heavier coolant would settle to the bottom). Well I didn't see any sign of moisture, but then I had the drain pan in the direct sunlight, and noticed a faint sparkling copper substance, all through the semi-transparent oil. It dawned on me that it must be from engine bearings, and I panicked a little. I decided it wasn't worth the investment of a rebuild for the 18-25 mpg, plus it was my only transportation and I had a 20 mile commute. So I looked for a car with optimum mpg, and sold the Grand Am to Diamond Jim.
I told Jim it would be risky to drive it from White County to Atlanta, since I thought it might spin a rod bearing at any momment. So Jim rents a trailer and hauls it home.
Four years later I find out Jim still hasn't pulled the 301, and he's been driving it around on a semi regular basis. The confounded thing even made an excursion to Savannah last year.

I know of another '78 Grand Am owner in GA with over 300K (one rebuild) on his 301.

It's actually pretty amazing, isn't it?