Dear Jayson;
Yeah, that's right in theory.
Back then oil was changed every 1-2,000 miles and the mesh filter oiled etc. The 'oil bath' ones were checked & serviced if needed.
Those that followed the service guide (rules) never had a problem.
I've got a 216 with 138,000 on it. The ring ridge is nill and the rod bearings within specs. I think it failed because the timing gear finally gave up.
The public (in general) doesn't care about servicing and this is why the early engines sometimes failed.
This all changed in 1963 when GM brought out the new model Chevy engine.
Happy trail.
