Why did the thrust bearing go out in a 454 engine???

[Bob in Oregon]

I just replace the Chev
454 engine in my motorhome. I had a company install the Gibson Exhaust System and they jammed the exhaust header tightly against the Oil Filter. When I began my trip to Arizona from Portland Oregon on the first gas fill-up, I found that I was 2 qt. low on oil. Not knowing why, I kept going and kept checking and adding oil every 150 miles. When I got to Quartsite, AZ. I found that the exhaust header was jammed against the oil filter. It dented the filter and was metal to metal.

Since I couldn't get the repairs done there, I had a shorter filter instaled so I could make it back to Oregon (the entire way back I had to add a qt. of oil every 100 miles)

Back in Portland I had the oil analyzed by CTC Analytical Services, they found a lot of metal in the oil. When the rebuilder tore down the engine, they found the Thrust Bearing had ground into the block, and was leaking oil from the rear seal. The engine ran well and the main and rod bearing were both in good shape; the engine went 2100 miles with the problem and 2100 miles back home.

Everyone keeps saying that only the Transmission (Torque converter) will take out a Thrust Bearing. The Torque converter and transmission was thoroughly checked out, and the new engine has no problems.

Gibson will not help with any data about heat dissipation from the exhaust system. I believe that before the first gas fill-up, and climbing steep hills with a 16,000 lb. motorhome which was pulling a 4500 lb trailer, that the heat from the exhaust system was high enough to raise the oil temperature to a breakdown point for the thrust bearing. I need to find someway to prove it.

Has anyone had a similar problem? Can you help or do you know anyone who can?

Bob