ZZ502 died while driving. Need help troubleshooting

[cableguy0]

I figured we would see something like that if you followed up. The cam gear is likely hurt as well. The biggest issue is all of the metal that go dumped on to the cam and crank when that gear was coming apart. I hate to say it but if I were you I would just start pulling the engine out to at least inspect all the bearings and machined surfaces. That didn't happen instantly and likely slowly dropped metal into the engine which can cause a lot of damage.

[clinebarger]

Originally Posted by cableguy0

I figured we would see something like that if you followed up. The cam gear is likely hurt as well. The biggest issue is all of the metal that go dumped on to the cam and crank when that gear was coming apart. I hate to say it but if I were you I would just start pulling the engine out to at least inspect all the bearings and machined surfaces. That didn't happen instantly and likely slowly dropped metal into the engine which can cause a lot of damage.

I'm not really in disagreement here, But the gear on the steel Roller cam is probably OK.

I agree, The metal that it made could have caused some insert damage. However I have seen many Gen 1 Vortec's & Gen 2 LT1's strip distributor gears, Haven't lost one yet after a GM melonized gear replacement, With several UOA's to prove the engine survived gear failure. If this was a flat tappet lobe failure I would be in total agreement.

In the LT1 cases, They will still run after a gear failure, A couple ran without oil pressure for a little bit.

I would throw a gear in it, Change the oil & filter, Drop the oil in a 1000 miles, Take a sample & send it to Blackstone Labs to get some base wear numbers. Then have a sample analyzed every oil change too see what is going on.

What oil weight are you running? Stock oil pump?

[cableguy0]

Originally Posted by clinebarger

I'm not really in disagreement here, But the gear on the steel Roller cam is probably OK.

I agree, The metal that it made could have caused some insert damage. However I have seen many Gen 1 Vortec's & Gen 2 LT1's strip distributor gears, Haven't lost one yet after a GM melonized gear replacement, With several UOA's to prove the engine survived gear failure. If this was a flat tappet lobe failure I would be in total agreement.

In the LT1 cases, They will still run after a gear failure, A couple ran without oil pressure for a little bit.

I would throw a gear in it, Change the oil & filter, Drop the oil in a 1000 miles, Take a sample & send it to Blackstone Labs to get some base wear numbers. Then have a sample analyzed every oil change too see what is going on.

What oil weight are you running? Stock oil pump?

I don't disagree that it could be ok. I just tend to err on the side of caution especially when giving advice here. A little time and a few gaskets is worth peace of mind though. Mainly just saying to check everything and make sure. Its cheaper to be sure.

[clinebarger]

Originally Posted by cableguy0

I don't disagree that it could be ok. I just tend to err on the side of caution especially when giving advice here. A little time and a few gaskets is worth peace of mind though. Mainly just saying to check everything and make sure. Its cheaper to be sure.

10-4 brother.

[Captainfab]

In rereading the OP's posts it sounds like he must have bought the ZZ502 Deluxe crate engine. That package comes with a HEI distributor, which should have had the melonized gear. Not that they don't wear out, just sayin'

[cableguy0]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

In rereading the OP's posts it sounds like he must have bought the ZZ502 Deluxe crate engine. That package comes with a HEI distributor, which should have had the melonized gear. Not that they don't wear out, just sayin'

If that is in fact the case this is even worse.... I personally would be mad as hell if I bought a setup that was supposed to complete only to end up on a tow truck.

[99-LS1-SS]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

In rereading the OP's posts it sounds like he must have bought the ZZ502 Deluxe crate engine. That package comes with a HEI distributor, which should have had the melonized gear. Not that they don't wear out, just sayin'

Originally Posted by cableguy0

If that is in fact the case this is even worse.... I personally would be mad as hell if I bought a setup that was supposed to complete only to end up on a tow truck.

This is my main concern. I purchased the motor at the end of 2012 so it is definitely out of warranty date wise but, this motor doesn't even have 3000 miles on it. The motor spent the first year and a half waiting on the Blazer to finish being built. I'm going to call GM Performance today and see if they are willing to work with me at all. I'll be surprised if they do but, I'm going to try.