Copper shavings in oil? What’s going on!

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L31MaxExpress

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Yeah, mine is labelled "Older Design". I took measurements and, hopefully, I'll find the correct spacing. IIRC the one I have is ~3.3625", I need one a little smaller.
Sounds like you need the newer version used on some 638 and all 880 blocks that I have seen. GM Goodwrench TBIs were often 880 blocks. The 1-ton replacement TBI engine I had in my G20 was an 880 block with roller provisions and used the 2nd design aka ZZ3/ZZ4 retainer plate.
 

PlayingWithTBI

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I think GM switched around 1990 on the production line stuff. Service replacement could be either depending on when the engine block was made and how long it sat around the warehouse.
Sounds like you need the newer version used on some 638 and all 880 blocks that I have seen. GM Goodwrench TBIs were often 880 blocks. The 1-ton replacement TBI engine I had in my G20 was an 880 block with roller provisions and used the 2nd design aka ZZ3/ZZ4 retainer plate.
Thanks! That sounds about right, my block was made (in Mehico) somewhere ~2000 so, it may be "new style".

I found the part numbers for you, just measure the distance between the bolt hole centers.

1st design 10088128 with 3.620"
2nd design 10168501 with 3.294"
I'll look for that spacing, thanks again :waytogo:
 

PlayingWithTBI

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Sounds like you need the newer version used on some 638 and all 880 blocks that I have seen. GM Goodwrench TBIs were often 880 blocks. The 1-ton replacement TBI engine I had in my G20 was an 880 block with roller provisions and used the 2nd design aka ZZ3/ZZ4 retainer plate.
I think I found it! :cheers:

www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-10168501
 

PlayingWithTBI

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OP - I apologize for high jacking your thread! IMO, this is why I love this site, more participation, and input from knowledgeable, experienced folks than most other forums! :waytogo:

Besides, we have a sense of humor too :anitoof:
 

Jackaru

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Crap. Now I'm distracted again from my problems. "your drunk friend overheated it"? He probably said it wasn't too bad didn't he? All great suggestions. You are not fixing this engine with anything short of a tear-down. You said you're burning more oil and running hotter. My guess is overheating twice smeared piston material over the rings. locking them and causing you to burn more oil. The oil ring is now not doing it's job so the engine runs hotter. Cylinders are probably scored. You ran it with improper valve adjustment which may or may not have spauled your cam and lifters. Your '88 350 is not a vortec engine as you know. If you installed a Comp cams flat tappet cam (which your part number is), that is a cast iron cam so a standard iron distributer gear is adequate (should not need a Melonized gear). Vortec engines use steel cams and hydraulic roller lifters and would require a melonized, bronze or composite distributer gear. All that notwithstanding, your solution is a complete teardown and doing your homework going back together.
 
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