Messages

Hi David. I got these from Rares years ago.
Cheers, Ken

Agree!!

Thanks Rob. When checking the type of timing cover on the FE..... after reading your post, I noticed it is also weeping a little oil. Re-built 5000 miles ago.
Next job on the list! 

Thanks for the reply Rob. Yes it is an FJ engine. No letter prefix. 261443. That’s really interesting about the difference in timing covers. The spare engine I have (also FJ) has a different pattern on the front of the cover. However, I assumed my car had the right cover as it matches the picture in the GMH workshop manual. I also have that same cover on my FE which although no longer having the original block, had all parts transferred from it to the current L block. Below is a picture from the manual and one of the other style cover. Not at all wishing to be argumentative but rather to clarify. Cheers, Ken

Hi everyone. Just wanted to add to this informative post after spending a lot of time trying to track down an oil leak around the front seal and harmonic balancer on a recently re-built grey. I went through all the steps in this post. After removing the timing cover I noticed that the witness mark where the cover attached to the engine plate showed that the cover was not sealing all the way around despite the bolts all being well tightened. I put the cover on a flat surface with a small torch under it. In a few sections there were gaps of around one and two mm in between the bolt holes. So the issue was not the seal, the keyway or the harmonic balancer. The issue was the timing cover not being completely flat. Also, one of the short bolts at the bottom that secures the reinforcement plate was partially stripped. So I flattened the plate as best I could, scavenged another bolt from a spare engine, used a thicker gasket and a liberal dose of ThreeBond hi temp silicone sealant. I also used thicker than normal flat washers under the spring washers. So far, so good. Cheers, Ken.

Thanks Vern. That’s great 😃

I’ll second that RET. Thanks Rob. That’s so helpful. Appreciate the time you put in to give that advice.
I’m away for a few weeks but will get onto it when I’m home again. Will update this post when I solve it.
Cheers, Ken  :) ;D

Hello again everyone. Well the plot thickens and the hits just keep on coming.
Took the FE in for a rego check today. Passed with the usual flying colours!
Longish drive though.... 1.5 hours. Some of it in heavy traffic. Gear stick getting stiffer as I use it in the stop/start conditions. Now noticing that when coasting in 2nd gear and suddenly touching the accelerator (not hard) that I am getting a loud clunking sound & a decent thud coming up through the steering column. Does not appear to do it when in top gear.
Any suggestions please??? Cheers, Ken  ???

Many thanks Vern. That’s great. Am an ex fitter/machinist so I can fabricate metal okay. Would really appreciate the design details when you have time. No hurry as I’m away for 3 weeks. While I’m at it I might also reco the steering wheel. It has some decent cracks in it.
Cheers and thanks again.  :)

Thanks Rob  :) :)

I've done a little more observation Rob. The honeypot is definitely rubbing on the left hand side of the collar when moving the lever down to engage 1st gear or reverse. On the indicator side there's plenty of clearance. So if I am understanding you correctly, this will involve removing the wheel in order to "move the indicator switch out of the way" ???  ???

Thanks again Rob. I’m going to try your first suggestion of disconnecting the linkages and lubricating. The squeaking sound appears to be when I am actually pulling the gear stick down to engage first or up for reverse rather than when pulling it straight back. It sounds like the part I think you’re calling the honeypot rubs against the collar that houses the indicator lever. And today it was okay  ??? ??? Baffling.
Cheers, Ken

Thanks for the detailed reply Rob. I’ll try disconnecting the linkages and using WD 40 as you suggested. The gear lever is only stiff and squeaks when pulling it back towards the wheel. Looking at the FE workshop manual on p.207, figure 7-14, there is a bearing listed as part number 40 (support-gearshift control lever bearing). Could this also be a possible culprit?
Cheers, Ken

Hello everyone. Gear lever in the FE is getting stiff when pulling it back towards the steering wheel to engage 1st and reverse. It has also developed a squeaking sound when performing this operation. No problem going up and down into second and top gear. I’ve looked at the workshop manual but am not much wiser. My first impression after reading it is that the wheel has to be removed to get at the bearing? Is there any simple way to lubricate in order to free up?
Cheers, Ken

Thanks so much. I’ll take you up on the offer re the spring. PM sent.
Cheers, Ken

Hi everyone. While opening the driver’s door to exit the FE I heard a “twang” from inside the door. I now find that the interior handle does not spring back into the horizontal position but instead remains in the vertical open position. Before I begin removing handles and door trim it would be nice to know what I might be looking for.
Cheers, Ken  :)

Thanks Vern. I’ll definitely put it up on the hoist and check all that. I had the leaf springs on my FJ sedan reset years ago by Ram Springs in Thomastown, VIC but it appears he’s no longer in business.  :(

Hello all. Noticed lately that the FE is sagging a little at the rear on the left hand side. One of the few things I left alone when rebuilding the mechanicals included the front and rear springs. I know leaf springs can be reset but I would appreciate any thoughts or advice as to the best way forward. Is reset the best option? Should I bite the bullet and replace both front and rear? It has helper springs. Does this complicate things? And can anyone suggest a good shop to undertake the work? I’d prefer not to tackle this myself if I can avoid it. I’m in the Hunter Valley NSW but happy to travel if I have to. Thanks in advance.
Ken

Hello Alan. Good luck with the sale. You might like to check the date of manufacture. FC was not released until May 1958.
Cheers, Ken  :)

Just letting people know Bendigo 2022 has been cancelled :-[
Cheers, Ken