I haven’t seen this kind of catastrophic failure in a long time. Rod snapped just above the crank end.
Back story- bought a cheap 1977 non runner because I needed the CA titled rolling frame to transplant my good parts into. I didn’t care about engine condition, I didn’t even attempt to turn it over before I pulled it out.
“Needs carb cleaning” I’m sure
I’ll tear it apart when I get some downtime, any guesses as to what failed? Maybe seized water pump took the oil pump with it? Ran hard after hydrolock? It was full of oil, I know because I spilled most of it.
Ugh. I’ve actually seen one or two come across these pages with the top blown out like that. I suppose when a rod goes, it can exit for daylight in any direction it chooses.
- Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It's about learning to ride in the rain.
Possible sludge buildup in crank passages causing oil loss to the rod bearing. Or the scavange pump died and all of the oil ending up in the clutch area. I think a lot of car fires seen on the interstates are from people running the car almost out of oil, snapping a rod that slices the oil pan dumping what is left of the oil on the exhaust manifold. Usually the give-away is an oil trsil to the burning hulk. We had a 421 Pontiac that had changed to solid lifters, pumped all of the oil into the valve covers, snapped the first rod slashing the pan and dumping the oil on the headers going down the front straight. I got the fun at 15 of pulling that one apart.
"Love 'em all.... let God sort 'em out!"
Ex 2006 GL1800 - the Black Pearl SOLD! to make room for:
2021 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited Dark Chalk Metallic
1975 Red GL1000 project - ex Pistol Pete project
1972 Triumph T150V Trident rescue - finished and FOR SALE!
1976 Yamaha RD400c
1978 GL1000 with '75 engine - the Hunley
Ex 1978 GL1000
Ex 1979 GL1000
Ex '79 CB750F rat bike
Ex '86 SEi
Ex '77 GL1000
Ex '76 RD400
Ex '72 Penton 125 set up for flat track
Ex '73 RD250
Ex '68 TR6C - chopped
Growing up in an old speed shop I’ve seen worse, we had a glass display case dedicated to carnage. I’ve calmed down with age and don’t push my machines to the brink of destruction, a 427 Corvette, 468 Chevelle, 6.5 Diesel Blazer and my 77 GL. Speed costs money and I’ve run out of money
I’ll be tearing it down in the next few weeks, I plan to save the 77 heads and carbs at a minimum. Any other salvageable parts I’ll probably put in the free section of the forum.
As for the rotating assembly, it’ll probably make a great night stand or shop lamp.
