this is a follow up to this thread http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?257224-cut-open-oil-filter-and&highlight= . i fanally got the engine out and apart, found the thrust surface on the crank is shot on the rear side. what i think happened is what someone had said is i didn't tap the crank back and forth with the thrust bearing cap just snugged down. the bearing half in the cap was worn but not bad, the block half was toast. this was a pain in the a$$ lesson to learn. i am running a main stud kit also so there isn't any shoulder at all. the other thing i noticed is the grade 8 bolts i used to bolt the torque converter to the flex plate, the nuts looked like they had excessive heat since they were slightly black in color. the bolts were fine though, i will post some pics later tonight or tomorrow. also found 2 stiff wrist pins. the block and parts will be going to the machin shop on tuesday so it will be running by the middle of may.
