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Re: Puzzler

To: tigers@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Puzzler
From: James Barrett <jamesbrt@mindspring.com>
Date: Thu, 06 Jul 2000 23:10:57 -0400
>Date: Thu, 06 Jul 2000 23:10:03 -0400
>To: Curtis Fisher <Curtis.Fisher@trw.com>
>From: James Barrett <jamesbrt@mindspring.com>
>Subject: Re: Puzzler
>
>Curtis,
>        You stated several times that the noise came from the rear.
>If so then that must eliminate fan, belt, alternator, harmonic balancer,
>water pump etc on the front of the motor.
>
>        Sounds like the valve cover and springs were miss direction unless
>there was something external connected to the valve cover that was vibrating,
>such as the fuel line or fuel filter connected to an electric fuel pump.
>
> My guess is the noise was from the flywheel or a clutch bolt
> rubbing either the bell housing or the plate between the flywheel and the
block.
>
>However; you stated that the noise was with both the stock and the aluminum
>flywheel.  I assume that you would not have clutch bolts in
>both flysheels, screwed in so far that both would rub.  Did you forget the
>dowel pins to locate the bell housing and plate?
>
>
>
>
>
>
>At 03:52 PM 7/6/2000 -0700, you wrote:
>>
>>Listers,
>>
>>I just finished an odd experience with my new Motorsport 5.0 crate motor.
>>I purchased the motor last year to install in B9470844.  Due to needed
>>frame repairs and other chassis delays I was not able to install the motor
>>immediately.  I needed to run the motor to fit accessories and select
>>radiator cooling fan(s) prior to installing in the Tiger.  My test stand
>>has a radiator, cooling fan, oil filter, exhaust system with mufflers, fuel
>>supply, gauges to monitor oil and temp.  After starting the motor a very
>>odd noise developed.  It could best be described as a squeal (like a power
>>steering pump turned into the limits).  The noise came from the rear of the
>>motor in the bell housing.  Although the transmission is connected, there
>>is no clutch or bearing yet installed.  I removed the transmission and the
>>noise was VERY clearly coming out of the bell housing and it did not come
>>from any other area. The noise would appear at low rpms and is not
>>noticeable at higher (>1,200) rpms.  I called the shop I bought my motor
>>through and they came out to examine it.  They had never heard anything
>>like it.  They also thought it was the rear of the engine.  Previously, I
>>had removed the stock steel flywheel and installed an aluminum flywheel.
>>The engine made this noise with the stock flywheel and also with the
>>aluminum one.  They suggested the starter was hung up on the flywheel.
>>With the transmission removed, you can clearly see the starter is not
>>engaged.  Both flywheels were closely examined and there was no sign of
>>wear or problem from the starter. 
>>
>>The motor back was taken back for internal inspection.  There were several
>>things wrong internal to the engine (a future post) and the noise was
>>thought to be the valve springs interference with the rocker arms (a
>>problem known by Ford).  The rockers were replaced with aftermarket brand
>>roller rockers to eliminate the interference.  The engine was cleaned up
>>internally and reassembled.  
>>
>>I got my motor back from repair, we started it.  It ran better than before
>>(minor improvements inside the engine).  However, after the engine warmed
>>up.... it made the exact same noise it did before....  the same loud squeal
>>and it occurs at lower rpms not high rpm.  I disconnected the drive belt
>>and confirmed it was not the accessories on the front of the motor.  It is
>>not the alternator, nor the water pump or belt tensioner. On further
>>investigation.... we were able to find an instance where the motor made
>>this squeal AFTER THE flywheel stopped turning.  Not every time but a few
>>times.  It made this noise for a brief second after the motor was NOT
>>turning.  We did not know that before. Previously, the shop and Ford had
>>determined the noise was caused by the valve springs rubbing the rocker
>>arms due to incorrect geometry. That apparently was not the problem.  We
>>were at a loss to find the cause so I called the shop again, they asked if
>>I could bring the motor in.  Yes I could but unless they heard the noise
>>and could investigate with it running, it would be unlikely they could find
>>the problem. It looked like I was facing another major engine tear down.  
>>I put the test stand, with radiator, engine, exhaust, fuel supply, battery,
>>gauges, all. in the truck and hauled it down to the shop.  At the shop, I
>>started the motor and ran it in my truck bed while their mechanics,
>>prodded, listened, and tried things.  They thought it was the starter (I
>>knew it wasn't) so I shimmed it out.  Same.  We took off a valve cover and
>>the noise stopped...... But the valve covers were not the problem, no sign
>>of interference with the valve train. When the valve cover was replaced,
>>the noise resumed from the rear of the motor emanating from the bell
>>housing and only at low rpms. Shortly after that, the mechanics determined
>>the cause.  It turned out to be extremely easy to fix (less than 10
>>seconds).  
>>
>>
>>I will post the answer in two days.  If you can guess the answer, my
>>compliments to you!  This cost me several weeks and $.  
>>
>>Curtis
>>B9470844
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
James Barrett Tiger II 351C and others


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