FE35 Update

2tractors · Nov 10, 2014

I thought my zero compression was the rings but I
pulled the head today and found #4 valve stuck open
and several of the others looking suspect. I'm
thinking the rings may be ok. Trying to do a valve
lapping job but the retainers are a pain getting in
and out. Any pointers?

Charles in Aus. · Nov 10, 2014

I used the Indian rope trick to change a broken valve spring on my FE35 .
Take out the plugs and feed new soft window sash cord or other soft rope into the cylinder filling it as much as possible . When full rotate the engine by hand , this compresses the rope and allows it to stop the valve from descending and falling into the cylinder.
I then used a home made spring compressor; an old mower plug spanner and a piece of light angle iron, bolted to the rocker cover studs to compress the spring and easily remove the collets .

2tractors · Nov 10, 2014

I may have to reinstall the head and use the rope trick or induce compressed air to hold valve closed. On the bench one needs 3 hands, one holding valve, one holding spring compressor, and the other fiddling with the retainers!Thanks

Tony in Mass. · Nov 10, 2014

I think, since you don't- most likely don't- need to rebuild the whole engine, take the head to town. If the valve stem was seized, then the guides must be shot.
I do lots of off the wall things, but valve guides and airplanes aren't for me. Cast iron? so shattered with an air chistle? then the tolerance for installing the new ones is zero? I don't do plus or minus zero very well very often...
As for doing the valves yerself?? I don't know where the pics are now, but you might find them in the archives here. I took pics of my keeper pusher thing. A piece of 1/2" water pipe about 3 inches long, with a slot cut in one side. I press with the arbor of my Bridgeport, the keeper will have the pressure off of it, and reach in there with tweesers or small needle nose pliers. But, the head has to be jostled around on the milling table, a lot of set up work for one process....
A place in the city did the whole head for the 202's Z134 in 6 hours for $175... I would have paid that just to do the guide stems... I was never so happy to drive into the city twice in one day! so call around...

Robert Major · Nov 10, 2014

Hi i think you need a better valve spring compressor and some grease to hold the retainers in place as you let the tension off.
i run shop here and do many springs on my own, some of them are not small ones.
I sure don't have 3 hands either L.O.L.
My compressor is like a large c clamp with adjustment for different springs, and an over center lock. set the jaws right to hold the valve in the seat then compress the spring down with the lever. Then it goes over center and you can work with your hands, and release with one hand. then use the other hand to steady things as the pressure comes off.
Regards Robert

Steve@Advance · Nov 10, 2014

Check with your local auto supply or rental yard. They should have a spring compressor. But chances are once you get them out it will still have to go to the machine shop for guides or seat work...

2tractors · Nov 11, 2014

175, gees I got 7 granddaughters and 1 grandson to buy xmas for and then there's the wife's grand chillin. Someone has already been into this motor as the valves have punch marks on the face. Once I cleaned all the buildup off the stem they seem to slide pretty good guess that won't tell about oil leaks.Already lost one keeper, 3 spinners missing and where did that spring cap go?Grease sounds good and a better tool too.

Tony in Mass. · Nov 11, 2014

Aghhhh... nay bloody worries mate! Sell a couple kids or trade one or two for some engine work, then you'll have enough cash around for the rest of them to have a nice Christmas... see how easy that was?
I figured he charged less than $30 an hour, which is what? half or third of most shop rates?? And I got it home the same day? how often does that happen?
YT has Cont keepers, cheap, your std keepers are different.. did you look in this store or Sparex?I wonder if I have any left from the 23c project?
The 85mm I did this year went all back together- I thought pieces were missing, that's when I learned about the spring and cap non issues...those spinning disc are here and there... only under the exhaust springs? The caps are another here and there.... time for UK John to pull a rabbit out of a hat again....

hey 2? I thought this FE was already a good running machine? Or did you find another? As far as that 50 ps gear.... what sort of Holy Grail is that thing? I would have thought that would be sorted out by now! Gosh I hope that gear doesn't cost you another grandchild... Christmas will start lookin' boring...

FE35 Update

2tractors

Well-known Member

Charles in Aus.

Well-known Member

2tractors

Well-known Member

Tony in Mass.

Well-known Member

Robert Major

Well-known Member

Steve@Advance

Well-known Member

2tractors

Well-known Member

Tony in Mass.

Well-known Member

Similar threads