My ERA 428FE started to knock tonight - Page 5

Danr55 · #81 (**permalink**) 08-19-2018, 01:01 PM

Have you measured the pushrods to be sure they are the same length? I know that photos make things look like something they are not, but the two shown here sure appear to be different lengths.. Have you checked the length of the rocker arms to be sure that you have the right ones for the heads you are running? All of the pushrods appear to be rubbing or close to rubbing on the head port. Either of these issues can create a situation that will work for a while.. right up until it fails.. Much like what happened here. Having screwed that pooch, I know all too well.

egreaves20 · #82 (**permalink**) 08-19-2018, 04:02 PM

I’ll ask if the push rods are different lengths but I can’t imagine that’s the case. The failure was the broken rocker arm, it ran perfect before that happened. Either way I plan to have all of the push rods replaced along with a new rocker arm assembly.

Gaz64 · #83 (**permalink**) 08-19-2018, 07:07 PM

Could have a seized valve in the head, could be a valve retainer hitting the valve guide.

Either way, I say both heads need to come off.

I'd pull all the pushrods out to see if they are the same length.

Hydraulic or solid cam?

Was all the critical clearances checked for valve operation during the build?

egreaves20 · #84 (**permalink**) 08-20-2018, 02:53 AM

I really don’t know, but the paperwork said the 428FE was re-built as original by Danbury Competition when the car was made. I’ll ask Jim who is doing the motor work now.

egreaves20 · #85 (**permalink**) 12-14-2018, 03:42 PM

Just an update. Car is back and all repaired. Rocker shaft broke and as a result, bent push rods, crushed lifters and bent valves. So, both heads removed, machined and completely redone, new valves, lifters and roller rocker setup. While motor was out, had clutch, flywheel, rear main seal and starter replaced. Not cheap, but done right. If you don’t have end stands on your rocker shafts, get them installed quick to avoid what I went through!

Gaz64 · #86 (**permalink**) 12-14-2018, 05:04 PM

Good to hear a happy result.

Gary

66AC · #87 (**permalink**) 12-14-2018, 05:37 PM

Glad it has worked out for you and in the end your FE and ERA #418 are back on the road. Just back from the ERA Xmas party. Nice to see all the guys there who built my car back in 92/93. Totally agree about the end stands. Whose rockers did Tony use? Harlan Sharp? (Sp?)

patrickt · #88 (**permalink**) 12-14-2018, 06:03 PM

The car is now better than the day it was born. Enjoy it.