Hi All, So I've only had the car for 3 months and I blew the motor 🙁 Oil pressure dropped to zero at the end of the run when I pushed the clutch in then the motor became noisy with low oil pressure. I drove it to the trailer and shut it off, haven't started it since. I'll drain the oil and cut open the filter but it will likely be pretty glittery.
I'm a decent mechanic and used to own a motorcycle restoration shop but never really did any bottom end work, only top end stuff and basics. I usually just did motor swaps when there were bottom end issues. I am confident in being able to remove the motor from the chassis and I'm wondering where I should go from there. I would likely have to get an equity loan to pay powertec to fix the motor. Does anyone know of any good shops that have radical engine rebuilding experience and won't take me to the cleaners? Thanks
@crit, Hopefully it isn’t too bad. It is normal for the oil pressure to get low (although not zero) when idling after a hot session. Noises aren’t a good thing though. When coming into the pits after a 20 minute session it is common for the low oil pressure light to come on. The first time it happened I thought it was an issue, but when I checked with the experts they told me it was normal because the warning light is set to limits for pressure on track, not while idling. Hopefully your issue is just this and not an engine failure.
I agree with you that an oil change and oil analysis through black stone would be a goon next step.
Charley
@charleyhradicalsportscarregistry-com
Thanks Charley, I’ll drain the oil this week and hopefully learn something.
@charleyhradicalsportscarregistry-com
So yesterday, I got it up in the air and got the diffuser off and found that the number 4 header had a crack and a hole in it. I started the car and used a leather glove to cover up the hole and the engine sounded fine. Looks like I may have dodged a bullet. I contacted Anthony at radical Northwest to get pricing on the header. They're pretty busy so waiting to hear back. going to be draining the oil over the next couple of days and sending it to Blackstone. Feeling pretty lucky if that's all that it was.
Great news! I will take a header issue over a spun bearing any day. Do you think the header can be repaired by welding, or ore you going to replace it?
Regarding Blackstone analysis... I did an analysis at every oil change. Tracking your trends is a cheap investment in keeping your engine healthy. It is also great for your piece of mind.
It's likely the original one from 2004 that has seen many races. It would probably just crack in another place.
