Very strange oil issue

[79cj7duner]

First pic is what was stuck in the bottom of the pickup. It was mostly sucked around the tube itself. Second pic is the bottom of the pickup. Looks to be silicone, nothing really serious but I could be wrong. The last pic is of #7 rod bearing. It has some fairly deep scratches, and is showing some wear. I also took #4 main off and looked at it. Its not as bad as the rod bearing, but still a few scratches. Took #8 rod off too and looked at crank journal. It has some scratches all the way around but they are not sharp and I think some emery cloth will go a long way there. I dont think there is enough wear to cause the oil pressure problem from the bearings, but I certainly dont like all the silicone sucked up against the pickup tube. I am thinking new pickup tube (with spacer on bottom), new rods/mains and go back together with it. Any other thoughts?

[tufcj]

I've polished up much worse and had them hold together. Find some crocus cloth, 1000 grit or finer, polish the journals and put new bearings in it (check with plastic gauge). It does look like a new pickup is in order. I NEVER re-use a pickup from an engine that's lost a bearing just for reasons like that.

Bob
tufcj