FE290 Loud After Rebuild

[Lightninlarry]

Check the side play of the crankshaft...had a similar noise once and it ended up being one of the side play shims. I remember it was the one on the flywheel side that wears first. Not sure...

[Engman69]

Thanks for all the responses. Will let you know what I find. The first issue is to find another motor... anyone got a spare FE290 or FE350 lying around? LOL

[mrlmd]

Your noise is similar to mine which developed a while ago and I never had a rebuild, my engine runs fine. (this thread - http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/gas-c...n-problem.html). So I would be really be interested in what you find as the cause of your noise.

[Engman69]

I asked the guys at Porcellato Engineering to take a look at the video. Brad responded and said it's the link arm bearings. I did not rebuild the crank when the engine was apart so the link arms didn't get new bearings. Not a real swift move on my part. Now I'm debating whether to go back into it myself or send it off to the shop in Canada and have them do it.

The two biggest factors for me is my ability to disassemble the crank and the cost of having the work done. 700-800 US (full rebuild, head milled, plus engine dyno). I'm confident I can rebuild the crank but would have to buy a press and the parts. Been wanting a press though...

[mrlmd]

I got a quote from the local shop down here for a warrantied brand new engine for $989.
Mine runs fine, is just noisy, so I'm going to run it 'till something drastic happens to it. I've replaced all the external parts I can easily do and the noise is still there, I'm not going to rip it apart just yet.

[hondarider203]

There is always a much bigger pride and pleasure when you do the work yourself. Imo

[mrlmd]

I know that, but I just do not know where to look and neither does the mechanic by talking to him or showing him a video, so just to rip apart my engine right now does not seem necessary to me at the present time.
And the PO has to decide if his time and effort is worth $200 for his rebuild vs. new, and may not solve his problem.

[lockman1]

Originally Posted by Engman69

I asked the guys at Porcellato Engineering to take a look at the video. Brad responded and said it's the link arm bearings. I did not rebuild the crank when the engine was apart so the link arms didn't get new bearings. Not a real swift move on my part....

Whoa... that's weird!

I've watched pretty much all of their videos...
IF... I were to do anything more to my FE350, THEY would be the one I'd send it too!

[villebacker]

I guess that I will show my ignorance but what is the link arm? Rebuilt my FE290 before and been through the manual a few times and have not heard this term used for any of the parts.

[raydhd]

Take a look at Porcellato's you tube rebuild.I had never heard of those parts either, but you can see that would be something critical in the engine's rebuild. Hey learn something many times by following BGW.