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Classic/Antique Car Repair/oil pan replacement/ crankshaft?

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Expert: - 3/16/2011


Question

oil pan
The 1969 Mercury I have blew the water pump a while back, so I decided it would be the right time to get into the timing chain to check it out for issues. The engine had been running fairly well to that point, though certainly not purring. Recently removed the oil pan on the original 351W engine to discover some materials in the bottom of the pan and stuck to the oil pickup screen: metal strips shaped like wood shavings, heavier than they look (as though they contain lead); also, plastic gear-shaped bits. One mechanic I mentioned this to thought the metal might be from the crankshaft bearings. Sounds bad. Not sure how to proceed at this point. My original plan was to remove the timing cover and replace the chain and gears, but now that may be a moot point. From what I've told you, what advice could you offer? Thank you, Scott

Answer
This does not look like bearing material. If it was then you would have had engine knocking and low oil pressure. The plastic makes me thing cam shaft timing gear and the metal pieces could be from the gear or from the timing chain slapping the cover. I would remove the cover and look before doing anything else. Get a look and then let me know what you found.
Brad
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentHi Brad, Thanks for your reply. The timing chain wasn't making noise that I could tell, although I did have another car of the same vintage (and engine) years ago that did have the timing chain slapping against the cover. I kind of started this project with that eventuality in mind.


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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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