Is that exactly the way the caps came off? Did you by any chance turn the engine over by hand without plugs in it before the initial start up? Did the installer by any chance number the caps for the assembly?

 

The caps have numbers stamped on the top of them, and they were in order in the engine. I turned it over by hand during assembly and it didnt bind and resistance was uniform through the range of motion.

My plan right now is to tear everything down and find a good shop to clean up the block and crank, replace all bearings, and check all clearances. May as well replace the rings and gap for boost while im at it.

 

1280 x 1024 on desktop, 1280 x 820(?) laptop. I bet I'm just the only complainer.
Builder mixed and matched bearing caps, block needs line boring, crank not sized correctly, bent crank.
I vote choice #1 and #2 above, it is too weird that the center main is worst.

 

You posted while I was typing, I withdraw my theory.

 

Same issues here.

 

The pistons arent as pretty as I was expecting....this look normal?









Cylinder walls feel smooth as glass. Cam also looks to be fine.

 

hmmmmmm im with you, I would have thought the pistons would have looked better..


sucks you had to pull it out man

 

What is the red or orange color on the piston? Was the heads leaking coolant? I'm not trying to steel your thread but have similar color on my pistons when pulled my motor part after 2000 miles when I had allot crankcase pressure.

pic from my LS1

 

I have no idea. I'm using ls9 head gaskets which are suppose to be very good. Any experts want to weigh in on that?

 

That is normal. Especially on a FI engine where you are running on the rich side. They will look like that after a few minutes of running. The lighter color is just not covered with carbon yet.