Yeah - dropping the engine and getting a good look makes the most sense.

 

Wow major bummer. Nothing more to say at this point - hoping for the best possible outcome...

 

$hit! Those pieces look a lot like crank and/or rod bearings to me.

 

Sad. Sorry for you. That is a real gut punch.
Something terrible is definitely going on.

 

Hey yaz, just keep going I'm sure you'll get to the bottom of the problem, seems strange something like this , your build was looking amazing , meticulous and clean , I can't imagine how you must feel , like you say though at least you got arp bolts so even if you strip it down maybe a few gaskets and seals to get it back together! I'm sorry to say the copper coloured debris does look like main/big end bearing , I really hope not, maybe Jake will chime in .
Good luck buddy keep fighting the good fight!

 

Thanks for the suggestions. Spent a good amount of time tracing my steps. I'd say the prevailing theory is there was a blocked oil passageway to one of the bearings. Possibly some debris leftover from the work done on the crank (magnaflux, polish, balance, and clean). Unfortunately, the one missed step that I can identify is I never verified the passageways were clear.

 

Your theory of a clogged crank oil passageway seems logical to me. A failed rod bearing (most likely in my experience) would explain the loss of oil pressure and the debris. It's likely the debris have affected the other bearings and engine components. I would be planning on a tear down to the crank. My hope would be that the cylinders are not scored.

 

I just wanted to add some sympathy to your position Yaz, I'm only a recent owner and was following your build with great interest since my car was a comparatively cheap high miler and I won't be surprised if I have to do something similar before too long. I really liked the way you worked, in all the photos I thought this guy is doing it how I would do it. For you to encounter problems is a sobering thought to those of us who look on thinking they will need to do the same at some stage.
I thought I'd share that the first proper engine rebuild I did was in the mid 90's on my quite unusual Italian motorcycle, with parts that were hard to source at the time and very expensive for me relative to my income then. I spent a year or so with many problems encountered and overcome along the way, and when I fired it up it ran for about half and hour and then nipped up an exhaust valve in the guide and started making terrible noises. I was pretty devastated. I pulled it all down again and did it again, I was lucky and there wasn't too much damage, just a bent valve and damaged guide really, but I had to do the damn head all over again anyhow. It was 25 years ago and I still remember the feeling first of elation when it fired up, then dismay when it all went south. So I thought I'd just send some positive vibes. After overcoming the issue I rode the wheels off that bike and it's still going now, with that same engine build, and I still love it... in no small part due to the trials and tribulations we went through together during that engine build.
All the best
Uber (Steve)

 

Yaz, we look forward to your discoveries and pictorial of the teardown.
hopefully it’s a quick fix and not too much money. .

 

Everyone following this thread will be getting their (my) monies worth. Just hope I'm finally on the upward slope of the plot below:

 

At least you have maintained some sense of humor! So hoping there is not collateral damage found....fingers crossed. Amazing build, hoping for the best.

 

Yazz
I think once you accept what's happened which you seem to have pretty well!! You can move forward with new goals! Just be prepared , I'm guessing your heads and cases will be ok, I'm thinking it's chewed up the main bearings or rod bearings , you know the crank will probably be toast ! I think you will need so source a good used crank as they are case hardened and can't be re ground (ask me how I know!) I'm in the uk but know some good dismantlers here so I can possibly help if needed , good luck and keep posting the updates , you will get there ok

 

Crank condition will be the big variable. Going to have the local shop that did the work check it out. That'll be an interesting conversation. Worst case I'll be getting a crank from LN, but if anyone has a source for a quality (non-spun bearing and polished for show eBay special) crank it would much appreciated.

 

I believe you would need the matching crank carrier as well. I seem to recall line boring these carriers is not a done thing

 

Definitely don't want to make this a habit, but pulled the engine in under 5 hours this time. Never recharged the A/C so I did save some time by not dealing with that.