Was the number 4 main cap installed backward?
Doug

i replaced the crankshaft on a 302 ford pickup once that was low mileage although i dont remember how many miles as this was in the mid 80's,the center main bearing was installed wrong,the half with the hole in it was installed from the factory in the cap and not the block,never did figure out how it ran as long as it did,bearing didnt spin in the block?

This is why to use a good engine builder with an engine test stand. The shop can run up the engine , do the break-in and check for problems.
This way, anything happens; it's on them.

Sounds like the thickest bearing wound up in the smallest main bore and the crank was on the high side. Seems like clevite bearings for mopars, are always close to max wall thickness, but on chevys .0003 under max wall.

And 80 psi is normal on melling pumps standard or high volume, sb or bb mopar.

I have cranks reground to .011, .021, or .031 on chryslers. Usually gets clr. close to .0025. Got tired of telling them low side only to get them back on the high side, and having .001 or less clearance.

Did he ever check to see if the plug is in the block? If not it's going to eat itself again.

This is why I invested in good micrometers and dial bore gauges and meticulous assemble my own engines. Checking others work is important but checking final clearances is mandatory. I have caught several mistakes by even good machine shops that would have had bad results if gone undetected. I have found many mistakes on motors assembled by others and repaired their mistakes. Good luck with the next attempt.

the problem is is I was never involved with the build until I offered to come over for the breakin which locked up within 4 minutes. I barely knew the guy & we had only spoken on the ph several times prior (way way back) about cam & some parts selections. I offered to do it for him this time as he is turning out to be a nice guy & whatever the cause it was a horrendous deal (& I feel for him) but he says he is having shop do it (same shop I'm thinking but not sure), I'm assuming they are gonna make it right). I will get all the details as I get em & I want to go up there & have a look see sometime (& take some pics) which he did & is going to send to me. He has a real demanding work schedule (I ain't never spoken with anyone who got on "salary" who was not full of complaints about it). I will note all Q's you guys have posted & get back to you when I have something.

I would make sure to check all the oil galley ways. I had a motor built and there was a blockage that the builder thought was clean but when he measured it against the others with a welding rod it was plugged and felt like he was hitting the block with the welding rod. I had some bent push rods and some bluing on other push rods and it ate the #4 main. It was just debris from machining possibly from bushing the lifter bores. i heard the valve noise. This was after about 100 miles on motor.

I'm gonna give him a call tonight & see if there is any news & request permission to visit the shop (& take pics hopefully) if it ain't too far away.