Lost an Airline in Vallejo, CA

[luvrbus]

Part of a bearing shell probably from the rear main they go first because they are last in line for oil.Rust is not good but really not that bad if you change the oil after a few hours of running. Mikey engine set in a drump truck bed for 10 years and was rusted he has been running that engine in his 4106 for 5 years now with no hiccups.LOL I would condemn that engine for sure  if it spun a main the machine shop cost to line bore one now is out of sight cost wise.FWIW that heavy @$# flywheel used with the V730 will take a toll on the mains
 

[daddysgirl]

I have been following this thread, and the picture raised a question.

Why does the shaving look burnt? That's not from sitting in the oil pan is it?

[chessie4905]

Don't bother. That engine is going to need serious repair or replacement. And don't waste the time trying to do an inframe.

[Dave5Cs]

not just from sitting in the oil. Sometimes when no lub to bearing they get hot swell or stick to the crank and spin with it after breaking the small holding tabs on the bearing ends. Oil journals might be block etc. When all this happens and it can be over time or very fast the metal will get scrapped and sometimes burnt then thrown out and generally they don't come all the way out and the crank gets seized. The crank at that point is probably done with scratches and grooves that even if machined may not be good.
Just how it can happen didn't say it did but very possible.

[luvrbus]

Heat is why it's discolored that could be a thrust bearing

[Oonrahnjay]

  not just from sitting in the oil.  Sometimes when no lub to bearing they get hot swell or stick to the crank and spin with it after breaking the small holding tabs on the bearing ends. ...

 
     Yes, I think you hit the nail on the head, Dave.  This particular one looks to me like the bearing material got peeled off the steel backing and pushed out in the oil -- and that's going to be a very hot, high pressure situation whether it's a main or con rod or thrust bearing (as Clifford says).  And, agree on the probable damage to the crank.

  Just how it can happen didn't say it did but very possible. 

       And it makes me wonder if this was the original failure or if it was a subsequent problem caused by something else.  Whatever, I'm in agreement that there's probably a lot of damage in other places in this engine and -- if it can be "saved" in a practical sense - it's almost certain to need an oil pan-to-valve cover total rebuild.  But only way to know is to open it up.

[chessie4905]

Looks like what's left of a rod bearing. The one furthest from the oil supply channels in the crank. Running almost completely out of oil will do it.

[Ryker]

Looks like what's left of a rod bearing. The one furthest from the oil supply channels in the crank. Running almost completely out of oil will do it.

Definitely not out of oil. I checked the oil all of the time. It did not go through much oil either.

[chessie4905]

Coolant real low or overheat, or  severely lugging engine on grade, or worn out bearings till one left go? Did you figure where all the white smoke came from? Coolant level normal?

[Dave5Cs]

Is there any coolant or fuel in your oil? you really need to take it somewhere or if your doing it yourself pull the Valve cover off to see if any valves have dropped and are really loose.
Other option is start getting it ready to pull out and check it that way. the only way your going to get to the back easily.

[Scott & Heather]

Time to rename this thread. Because I thought California actually lost an Airline (as in Southwest or Delta) lol. Turns out it was an air line and beyond that, this thread got real dark real fast now that we know your engine is toast...major bummer and makes me nervous about my own every time I see someone blow theirs up I wonder if it's my turn. Keep us updated.

[daddysgirl]

 
     Yes, I think you hit the nail on the head, Dave.  This particular one looks to me like the bearing material got peeled off the steel backing and pushed out in the oil -- and that's going to be a very hot, high pressure situation whether it's a main or con rod or thrust bearing (as Clifford says).  And, agree on the probable damage to the crank.

Alright...that makes sense to me. Thanks for the explanation. 

[Oonrahnjay]

         Yes, I think you hit the nail on the head, Dave.  This particular one looks to me like the bearing material got peeled off the steel backing and pushed out in the oil -- and that's going to be a very hot, high pressure situation whether it's a main or con rod or thrust bearing (as Clifford says).  And, agree on the probable damage to the crank.
       And it makes me wonder if this was the original failure or if it was a subsequent problem caused by something else.  Whatever, I'm in agreement that there's probably a lot of damage in other places in this engine and -- if it can be "saved" in a practical sense - it's almost certain to need an oil pan-to-valve cover total rebuild.  But only way to know is to open it up.

Alright...that makes sense to me. Thanks for the explanation. 

       Clifford mentioned the thrust bearing.  I went back and looked at the original photo and noticed some curved edges on what a basically flat piece of metal.  That metal is pretty beat up but I think those curved edges would be much more damaged if they were from a basically cylindrical bearing shell that got pounded flat; I think it's maybe likely a thrust bearing that was flat with curved edges to start with.  But it is so damaged, it's hard to make much out about it. 
       It doesn't really matter, the outcome is the same -- severely damaged engine.

[Dave5Cs]

Yep makes sense. Clifford wins the ticket, lol

[pabusnut]

Scott,

I fly commercial often, and that was my first thought!  How do you lose a whole fleet of airplanes(big ones)?!
I would have felt really bad commenting on that earlier.

Fortunately (or not, depending on your perspective), I had my engine rebuilt in my first coach(city bus) and then had it transferred to my current coach, so I feel confident I know its history.  BUT--I didn't rebuild the whole bus, so bad things can still happen.

Hopefully Ryker can get his spare engine in without too much trouble.

PAbusnut