[Sirrotica]

Originally Posted by grivera

I believe Joe will be doing some more testing this weekend. If he unbolts the converter from the flexplate pulls it back and the noise remains, will that rule-out the flexplate being the culprit?

I would say yes, because there is no flex going on when the two aren't bolted together. If it doesn't go away and the flexplate is rotating by itself, the noise should change appreciably, I would think it should go away though.

["QUICK-SILVER"]

Next step should be a surgical clean oil and filter inspection. That's with a spotless clean white or clear drain pan.
I'd stick a flex head pocket magnet in the oil drain hole to see if any of the previous metalic paint look is present now and if it was ferrous or nonferrous.
Use the same magnet to check filter contents and oil in the pan.

If that oil is fresh and clean...It can go back in.

Joe was told that X amount of metal in the oil was normal for a new engine. This unknown X amount should've been gone after a few oil changes I would think.

With Paul's honing process and roller cam....I think this engine had way too much glitter look in the filter and oil pan pics.

IF metalic is still present and if the filter bypass is functional....This engine could be in worse shape than the original knocking noises.

The first converter un-bolt had no affect on the bottom end noise or the collapsed lifter type noise on top.

Hard to tell watching videos, but in the most recent top side vids, the knocking sounds more defined and louder.

IDK for sure but know what I think
Clay

[STEELCITYFIREBIRD]

"There was a difference between the short block oil pump and my motor. "

"Difference"...details of this ?

Hope this (is?) isn't another quality issue with an aftermarket part!
Lord knows they're widespread.

I had a new one, Melling M54DS, sitting in box, in my bedroom, the driven gear seized to the idler shaft, and I mean locked up tighter than a whore's heart. Purchased about 3 years ago.
They did switch to the thin lower plate from the previous one I bought... 20+ years ago, same pump but old one came in a Sealed Power box.

[wbnapier]

[QUOTE=STEELCITYFIREBIRD;5988764]"There was a difference between the short block oil pump and my motor. "

... locked up tighter than a whore's heart...

I haven't heard that one. I'll have to borrow it that saying if you don't mind.