355 Blueprint crate engine with 4k miles. All was fine until I started it today.. popping thru the intake and sounded like a diesel engine at idle. Shut her down.. pulled the value cover and found this.


Blueprint warranty said they would be in touch on Monday and would get me up and running again.
I hope so.. but what would cause this in the first place?

 

First, it appears that there actually IS some oil on those rockers, so that may not be the issue.

Second, what kind of springs are under those retainers?

Third, I can only wonder what manner of special, super-secret oriental metallurgical magic might be going on with those stamped rockers.

And, of course, fourth, where did all the missing metal go?

 

Chineseium rocker arms. Have read some bad things about blueprint, not surprised. Best to stick with oem. Pushrods said "Heres Johnny" haha

 

I would say Grade-A Chinesium, but this might even constitute Thai-Tanium.

Impressive failure mode for those rockers!

 

"Thai-Tanium"

 

To be fair, poor metallurgy can happen anywhere, It just seems to happen a lot more frequently as parts origins transition from Federal-Mogul to something more like Wal-Mart. It's fairly evident that the engine does not have a lot of run hours, indicated by the lack of sludge and discoloration.

Any feedback from the supplier? It would seem that the photo should be enough evidence to get their attention, at least. The fact that some have and some haven't (yet) might get them on the phone with their suppliers.