FE Question

[Edselman]

Don't stone me because I own an Edsel, but this seems to be the best forum regarding the FE engine. I recently purchased a '58 Edsel that has the FE 361. It has good power and idles smooth, but is one of the most noisy engines I have ever experienced. I replaced the lifters thinking that would help, but it improved only slightly. I think I know what rod knock is, but is it possible several of the rods are knocking in unison to create the symphony of noise (like a thrashing machine)?

[blykins]

Does it have a solid flat tappet cam in it?

BTW, if you think this website is good for FE's, try this one....

www.fordfe.com

[Edselman]

It is stock w/hydraulics. Thank you for the FE website info.

[patrickt]

Any chance you (or maybe your son or daughter) could post an audio file of your engine? A youtube vid would be even better, it's just hard to identify a noise when you can't hear it.

[Edselman]

That is a great idea. I will try to do that soon.

[FWB]

what part of the country are you in, one of us may be close by

Fred

[Jerry Clayton]

Rarly 1958 fe engines were solid lifter engines and at .027 lash were pretty noisy---engines with hydraulic lifters had a spash of orange paint on the timing cover---engines also had adjustable rockers even after they went to hudraulics---the rocker tips if worn ( common) will add the amount of wear to the clearance set with a feeler guage and will be noisier---course with todays oils your cam could be worn out