I have noticed a lot more blue smoke in the last month or so, but when I pulled into the yard Wednesday evening, I noticed that my oil pressure took a dive and the engine sounded "grindy". I shut it down immediatly and checked the oil and for gaping holes in the block. Everything seemed fine and I started it up and watched my oil pressure and everything seemed normal. Yesterday I hooked it to an external pressure gage and ran it at an idle and reved and the pressure seemed notmal, about 32 at idle. I am afraid to drive it now. I need to get my extra engine to a machine shop, but I was hoping to keep driving mine until the other one is rebuilt. I am hoping to just have the machine shop do the bores and check the crank and bearings etc. Can I expect a good outcome doing the assembly myself or are there clearances that need to be determined while the machining is being done that can only be accomplished with the machinist doing the assembly? My brother is a mechanic and will be doing most of the assembly work. How much damage am I doing to the 235 in my truck if I keep driving it the way it is? I was a given a 250 from a 60's model truck that was supposed to be in good running shape, is it worth the time and effort to plant this in my 48 until I can get my 235 rebuilt? Any opinions will be welcomed. Thanks!!
Ralph
