I tore into my '73 440 (that is supposedly been built) I needed to freshen up bottom end due to oil pump seizing up at about 2500 rpm. I have no idea what size bearings are in it... there are no markings on them. Whats the best way to determine which bearing size i need... crank appears to be fine no need to grind just want to be safe and replace bearings. does no markings mean standard size? any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Dave

 

look at the bearings very close. Yes if they are standard they wont have the .010 or .020, .030 . Sometimes the size is in the part number. That is why you must look at them very close. Just for insurance, go buy a cheap micrometer or set of dial calipers [harbor freight, sears, pawn shop etc] would be a good way to learn how to use them and you can be double sure of the wear on the crank or the size of the bearings. Your machinist will be impressed too!

 

there was no damage to the crank with the oil pump seizing?

 

I was showing my *** burning out and wasnt really going any where when the pump seized. Since the distributor and oil pump are driven together on the same gear the engine cut power immediately. so it was never atcually starved for oil any amount of time. I am just being super cautious and going ahead and replacing bearings.

 

Oh! It seized because something in the filter came apart and jammed inside the lobes of the pump. Good ol fram filters

 

you had a fram filter on it when it happened?

 

if the pump seized, was there any damage to the gear or rod?

 

Yes it twisted the rod before spinning it inside the gear. I have replaced the rod gear and oil pump already... and yes I did have a fram on it when it happened.

 

Dave, which fram filter were you using? I been using the fram HP-1 for over 20 years now without ever having a problem. Do you know what exactly came apart in the filter?
Do you have an idea what the oil pressure was when it happened?

 

Actually I am not sure which I was running, the direct replacement for the mopar 090 I assume. I cant quite tell what came apart but there was hard black plastic in the the pump when i tore it down. I honestly just assumed the filter since there shouldnt be anything that large coming through the pick up screen and debris shouldnt be able to fall back through the oil galleries under pressure. I am not sure of the pressure I dont have a gauge .. just the idiot light. I am, however, investing in a gauge before i re-install the 440.