I just recently build a shortblock for my car. I checked all clearances to make sure they are within tolerance and they all were except the rod side clearance, it was something like 4-5 thousands tight. I asked on the thirdgen.org forums about this and they said it is probably due to the new PM rods I was using. Now after running the shortblock for a few thousand miles, each oil change I have done, 3-4, have had a metallic look to the oil. Should I be worried about this?

 

so your rod side clearance is .004-.005? that is pretty tight..

as far as the metallic oil.. thats pretty normal for new motors.

 

Yes, I believe it was .005 on a .009-.014 tolerance. No abnormal noise or binding noticed.

 

Who did the machine work? I'm assuming you just rebuilt the stock motor. When you found out the clearance was too tight, why didn't you have it cleared? Just wondering my man, not busting on you.

As far as the oil, I just threw in my motor and got like 1100 on it. Just changed oil and saw the same metallic looking stuff. My machinist said its totally normal.

 

You checked this by spreading the rods apart and shoving a feeler gague between the rods, correct? If so, I think that's too tight. I run mine .010-.015, but that's using older stock rods, not PM units.

You have the rods in the right way around and using chamfered bearings (if needed with your crank)?