Originally Posted by johnracer
Actually I have, and you made my point exactly. I ran a Terminator on a small block and, once I figured out what I was doing, milking the oil wasn't a significant problem. However, during the "learning process" stage, it very definately was. During this stage, I pulled the pan regularly to inspect bearings and they were always scuffed. Would the engine have come apart because of it? Probably not. Was the overall life of the engine shortened? Probably so, at least at first.
I ran Total Seal rings, quality oil, etc. The other maintenance issues are still there, even with a quality toplube. Race gas is just easier.
I'm certainly no expert. I just want to bring to light that running alcohol isn't all roses.....
For the labor and cost of bearings, and your learning curve, you could have sent the system off to Ralph Gorr or another well known company who flows fuel systems for a living.
For less than what your labor cost and the price of bearings/gaskets, the system could have been flowed and calibrated right out of the box. The motor would have fired and idled properly without milking the oil.
The learning curve is only as tough as you make it.