Any one ever rebuilt an fe350?

rmauto1 · 11-14-2012, 11:55 AM

Hello all!
I just purchased a 1997 carryall II with a running fe350 that has a pretty nasty sounding bearing rattle. Have not removed the engine, or done any other diagnoses yet. Was just wondering if it is a fairly easy rebuild, or if I am better off finding a good used engine for it. I had also thought about upgrading to an fe400. I got this cart for next to nothing, so I wouldn't feel bad spending a little money on it but I don't want to get too much wrapped up in it. I'm thinking my budget cap would be about 500 on the engine. Do you guys have any thoughts on the matter? Thanks in advance!

Randy-

lockman1 · 11-14-2012, 04:44 PM

The FE350's are a good engine!

You might want to diagnose it first before jumping into things,
I say that only because a worn drive clutch can make it sound like the engine is bad!

rib33024 · 11-14-2012, 05:02 PM

I'am with Don on this, could be the clutch, and $500 wont get you a fe 400

rmauto1 · 11-15-2012, 10:22 AM

Thanks fellas! Any pointers on what to look for in the drive clutch? I drove it around a bit last night, and it seems to have really good power. Just kind of has a deep rattle and burns oil pretty good. Almost made me think piston, but it had 130 psi compression. I will take a closer look at the drive clutch, and do a leak down test tonight. Would the drive clutch still make noise with the belt off?

lockman1 · 11-15-2012, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmauto1

Thanks fellas! Any pointers on what to look for in the drive clutch? I drove it around a bit last night, and it seems to have really good power. Just kind of has a deep rattle and burns oil pretty good. Almost made me think piston, but it had 130 psi compression. I will take a closer look at the drive clutch, and do a leak down test tonight. Would the drive clutch still make noise with the belt off?

If it burns oil... rebuild it! (you didn't say that initially!) or at least check the head for carbon build up at the valves.
When Drive clutch buttons start to wear out, they tend to make a clanking noise similar to what a rod would do!

rmauto1 · 11-15-2012, 05:24 PM

Honestly, I did not know about the oil at first. Last night was the longest I have ran it so far. It's looking like a rebuild may be in my future! Thanks for the help! What a great forum. I could spend hours here reading thru the volumes!

lockman1 · 11-15-2012, 05:40 PM

Hours???

More like Days!

rmauto1 · 11-15-2012, 08:11 PM

Right? Haha so true.

11-14-2012, 11:55 AM	#1
rmauto1 Not Yet Wild Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 8	Any one ever rebuilt an fe350? Hello all! I just purchased a 1997 carryall II with a running fe350 that has a pretty nasty sounding bearing rattle. Have not removed the engine, or done any other diagnoses yet. Was just wondering if it is a fairly easy rebuild, or if I am better off finding a good used engine for it. I had also thought about upgrading to an fe400. I got this cart for next to nothing, so I wouldn't feel bad spending a little money on it but I don't want to get too much wrapped up in it. I'm thinking my budget cap would be about 500 on the engine. Do you guys have any thoughts on the matter? Thanks in advance! Randy-
rmauto1 Not Yet Wild Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 8

11-14-2012, 04:44 PM	#2
lockman1 What the ....? Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: N.E. Wisconsin Posts: 14,927	Re: Any one ever rebuilt an fe350? The FE350's are a good engine! You might want to diagnose it first before jumping into things, I say that only because a worn drive clutch can make it sound like the engine is bad!

11-14-2012, 05:02 PM	#3
rib33024 ...................... Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: FT Lauderdale FL. Posts: 16,416	Re: Any one ever rebuilt an fe350? I'am with Don on this, could be the clutch, and $500 wont get you a fe 400

11-15-2012, 10:22 AM	#4
rmauto1 Not Yet Wild Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 8	Re: Any one ever rebuilt an fe350? Thanks fellas! Any pointers on what to look for in the drive clutch? I drove it around a bit last night, and it seems to have really good power. Just kind of has a deep rattle and burns oil pretty good. Almost made me think piston, but it had 130 psi compression. I will take a closer look at the drive clutch, and do a leak down test tonight. Would the drive clutch still make noise with the belt off?
rmauto1 Not Yet Wild Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 8

11-15-2012, 05:24 PM	#6
rmauto1 Not Yet Wild Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 8	Re: Any one ever rebuilt an fe350? Honestly, I did not know about the oil at first. Last night was the longest I have ran it so far. It's looking like a rebuild may be in my future! Thanks for the help! What a great forum. I could spend hours here reading thru the volumes!
rmauto1 Not Yet Wild Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 8

Today
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11-15-2012, 05:40 PM	#7
lockman1 What the ....? Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: N.E. Wisconsin Posts: 14,927	Re: Any one ever rebuilt an fe350? Hours??? More like Days!

11-15-2012, 08:11 PM	#8
rmauto1 Not Yet Wild Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 8	Re: Any one ever rebuilt an fe350? Right? Haha so true.
rmauto1 Not Yet Wild Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 8

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