Question for Don S.

[codfather II]

Don, I have read many of your columns in this forum and respect your opinions greatly. This is the reason I need your expert opinion. I believe you may have read my forum on bad Crusader engines? If not, I can go into finer detail later. To make this short and simple, here it goes: Two of my brand new Crusaders (G.M. 350 cu.) had a problem with the oil pickup lines falling off. I was told by Crusader that I was the only person who has ever experienced this problem. I have spoken to many mechanics, both marine and automotive, and most, not all, have heard of this problem. In your years of experience, have you ever heard of this same defect? Both of the engines are now back at the Crusader factory and I'm waiting to hear from them. The reason I'm asking for this info is because I need knowledge of past problems with G.M/ chevy engines to tell Crusader. I believe other marine engine manufacturers use the same G.M. block? I'm wondering if they too have this problem? If this is a fairly common problem I guess I can't lay all the blame on Crusader. I know they have a great reputation for building excellent motors. ( that's why I bought them). If I'm wrong about past oil pickup problems, I guess I'm just the most unlucky Crusader owner who ever lived. Respectfully, Codfather in Connecticut.

 

[Buttanic]

Re: Question for Don S.

In most 350 automotive engines the oil pickup tube is pressed into the oil pump with nothing other holding it in place, this has worked fine over the years with few cases of the pickup coming out of the pump. When I build an engine I will spot weld the pickup to the pump as extra insurance against it falling off. A Volvo marinized 350 I worked on had the pickup bolted to the pump. I can't say what Crusader is doing but I like the safety of either welding or bolting the pickup to the pump. It's possible that Crusader got a batch of engines from GM that have either oil pumps or pickups that were manufactured to the wrong secifications causing too lose a press fit.

 

[codfather II]

Re: Question for Don S.

Thanks Buttanic, Every little bit of info helps. I'm not a mechanic, so all the info I get is helpful. This whole ordeal has been real frustrating. Living in Connecticut, we only have about four months of good boating. This hasn't been fun! It's not that I'm looking for someone to say, YES all G.M.'s should be recalled! I just would hope to find other people in my situation, so I don't feel like the village idiot! I don't have an axe to grind, I just want the situation resolved amicably. thanks again