Reichard Racing Mishap ~ Not Very Pleased!

[I'D WIN]

Bad news ...

Long story short is that I installed some RR idlers on the engine block to work with the drive belt. One in which that I learned later on that did not rotate evenly so during a cruise last weekend, I heard a dreadful loud noise and big clank... almost like a rod or plug going.

Fearing the worse, I stop, pull over, and start looking under the truck for any fluids. Fortunately there were no fluids but there it was, one of the RR idlers laying on the ground that I had just installed.

So, I get to thinking, how the f*ck did this happen. I pop the hood and start looking around only to find that the left engine cast mount where the idler was mounted to had snapped right off. :nono:

Looking at everything more closely, I noticed that the spacer that goes on the front side of the idler was not drilled straight and was offset causing the pulley to rotate unevenly. :nonono:

Therefore, it snapped the casting stud right off the block and now I can't attach anything. :bs:

Can you say not a happy camper.

I tested the idler on a MP idler mount and sure enough, it doesn't rotate properly for chit. Of course, the brace is a lot stronger and just incase, I didn't leave it on there long enough to break anything else.

I've tried calling Jim several times with absolutely NO response. I've emailed him 3x, again, NO response.

I've uploaded a few photo's for you all to see~

:shrug: :mj: :cuss: :mj: :shrug:

http://www.putfile.com/album/192987

 

[1sweetSVT]

holy crap dude!
you didnt notice any play when you first installed it and started it up? hope he makes it right...

 

[I'D WIN]

I would have noticed it if the pulley sat higher in the engine compartment. Down below its hard to tell.

Otherwise, no play and installed/tightened up just fine.

I am not sure what RR is going to do. Its cast so I am not sure there is a solution to the problem without replacing the block/transferring all my internals over.

We are going to try a few things but number one, its not an easy to get to spot, and number two, it will take some grinding and finding something to fit inside the pulley just perfect. The casting on the block is all tore up and uneven now plus the threads have been stretched.

 

[ChrisNelson]

Bummer bro. I never would have thought something so simple could cause something so catastrophic.

 

[stangkid]

Bummer bro. I never would have thought something so simple could cause something so catastrophic.

+1

 

[I'D WIN]

Me either but when your rotating something at such a high RPM, the movement becomes more pronounced and may cause more damage. Luckily the block casting around the area is not harmed. ~from what I can see.

 

[FordFanStan]

Where was that idler located at? That really sucks Martin. Keep tryign to get ahold of him to get it resolved. That should be very easy to tell if it was warped, or improperly drilled/cnc'd or if it happend to the idler another way, thus proving it was that part's fault. Stan

 

[I'D WIN]

The idler was installed on the accessory belt. The idler was mounted on the front left side of the motor.

You can definitely tell the spacer was drilled incorrectly and off-centered.

You can still see the cross-milling marks on the spacer.

 

[LightningClint]

Martin if its on the acc belt cant you just replace the front cover (timing cover) and be all set? They dont mount to the block itself. I have an extra here if you need it.

 

[I'D WIN]

Yeah I know...I realized that after playing around under the hood but hopefully the threads on the block are okay because on the front mount they are shot.

Gonna try to see if we can build up the area and build a heavy duty mount or I will remove everything and replace the front timing cover as a last result.

 

[Fade 2 Black]

I hope they at least refund you for the pulley Martin. At least a new front cover is easy to come by and pretty cheap although a PITA to swap.

 

[Dbl G]

There are enough spare bolt holes in that area to fab a bridge type of bracket to mount it too.

 

[I'D WIN]

That is what I was thinking DG.

Bob, I was thinking the same thing. Granted, that nearly isn't enough to cover labor and fabrication (if necessary).

Sucks either way.

 

[96stanggt]

Take some good pics of where it broke off also if you can, he's probably going to want to see them. My RR blower pulley broke clean in half about a month ago and I had a bit of trouble getting ahold of him also. But he seems like he's going to make it right and sent me a new pulley. Just email him the pics and be patient, he should take care of it.

 

[I'D WIN]

I plan on it. Hopefully everything works out. Although two mishaps on a completely different scale, atleast he finally came through for you.

Thx.