This is not good news… If I understand correctly the current thinking is the engine has a “spun” #7 rod bearing possibly due to distributor gear fragments. That being the case, collateral damage could spread. Here’s my thinking. If the distributor gear did come apart, fragments would have then dropped into the oil pan. Those pieces may still be in there however, the smaller ones could have easily been picked up by the pump and are now anywhere in the oil passages.
Based on the symptoms mentioned, I really think this engine has been run low on (or out of) oil. The usual cause of a spun bearing is loss of oil pressure. The distributor gear failure could also be attributed to this. The oil flow through that engine leaves #7 and 8 rod bearings at the end of the train. In other words, they typically see lower oil pressure and volume as they are last to be lubricated. So, I would be very worried about this engine “ingesting” other parts. Since the tech has to buy a complete set of rod bearings anyway, I would at least check all the others and replace as necessary. I would also have him mic the journals as they could very easily be out of spec now and simply sticking bearings in could easily result in another spun bearing down the road.
Good Luck,
Gary
