Wrist pin info??

my65forddream · 10-08-2009

Now that I got my new pipes put on, a new regulator put in and 4 of my rockers have been tightened, I was told the ticking I heard in the engine, which I thought was the rockers, is actually the wrist pin that runs through the pistons. Anyone heard of how long I can run it before hurting the engine? I was given a quote of 1200-2000 to fix...sounds reasonable, too much or too low? Any tricks to quiet it down?

Print Dad · 10-09-2009

Hello my65forddream,
It seems as though you know that the wrist pin holds the piston to the top of the connecting rod. I mention this for others.

I would get an expert opinion to be sure this is the problem.
You mention tightening some rockers, be sure it isn't another rocker, bad cam lobe ect.

The part is not expensive but there is a lot of labor to replace the wrist pin.

As for the price, sounds very reasonable. In the Boston, MA area mechanics are charging about $80.00 per hour, so it adds up quick.

The only band-aid for a wrist pin I know of is to try "STP" which is like a thick oil.
Be careful because if the wrist pin goes, your motor will be junk,
No hard driving. Some people have run a motor for a long time with the pin like that, but I would be careful.

Last option is to look for a block and swap your heads, intake etc.

Hope this helps....keep an ear on it and have a reputable mechanic listen

Print Dad

Ivy66GT · 10-09-2009

For sure get a second opinion. Somehow this sounds a bit odd. How many others do you know that have needed new wrist pins that also didn't need new pistons, etc?

The price is not all that bad since its a lot of work. But for only a few $100 more you can get a COMPLETE engine overhaul. Not living in Taxachusetts our labor rates are only $65/hr but my total machine shop bill for all new everything in my 289 was $2100 including balancing the engine with the new clutch which is also included in that total.

my65forddream · 10-09-2009

Well at least I can beat your price of mechanics...mine will only charge $40/hr. He said labor would be 400 and 800-1000 for machine work. I have considered getting the block replaced as I think it may be best so I won't have other problems later. Thanks for the info.