I am still thinking out loud as to what else to check before pulling the block. I am still looking for a solid reason for the oil pump/bearing damage.

I have not rechecked the lifters yet, as they are packed away. But they each looked nice and smooth as did the cam lobes when I packed them up.

I checked the crankshaft end play and found it at .022” pulling front to rear. This is not as bad as I would have guessed with the clunk noise that it makes. I know this is out of spec and I will look at the crank thrust surface in the near future.

I checked the gap between the flex-plate and the 727 converter mounting tabs (pushed all the way inward) and the gap measured .160”-.165” at all four tabs.

I am hoping to pickup an engine hoist next week, so in the mean time I am thinking of things to check.

Thanks!