351 W Problem - Diagnosis Needed

[jim_howard_pdx]

Hi

We ran our 351 Windsor last night at the drags. After 3 decent passes with the engine performing I ran the car a 4th time. It ran well, I began slowing down to make the turn off the drag stip. When I slowed to around 30 mph I noticed something that sounded like a rod knocking sound.

When I reached the pit area, I noticed the engine was running a little rough. It seemed to be running hot, and dieseling a bit so I pulled the ignition from 7 degrees to 2 degrees which did smooth it out.

Then I checked the oil, and added a quart. I noticed a small, miniscule bit of metal debris on my oil towel, so I pulled the dip stick about 6 times and found a couple more of these tiny bits of metal. I am not sure if it is aluminum or steel. The debris is very small and bright in appearance.

The oil pressure was acceptable both during slow down and on the drive back to the pit area.

We drove the car home, running the lightest load possible. It exhibited the rod knock sound louder at 45 mph and less loudly at 55. However there was also a different sound that could be rod or oil pump related.

This morning I plan to pull the oil pan off and inspect the bottom end. Is it possible to see signs of a spun rod bearing without removing the rod caps?

Has anyone ever experienced an oil pump failure? I believe my unit is a mellings high volume unit.

Should I pull a main bearing cap and inspect the main bearing condition? With tiny metal shards running through an engine at 6,000 RPM I might expect some bearing damage.

Any other thoughts?