I have recently installed a Merlin World Class 509 ci engine with aluminum heads. There appears to be a knocking sound in the upper half of the engine - I have had 2 different certified tech's look at the engine and both can't explain the noise. Secondly, the AED carb continues to foul the plugs - I have been told by Bill Mitchell that changing the carb would VOID the warranty, but at this point Im prepared to do what's necessary to get this engine to run correctly. Im thinking about replacing it with a 870 Holley with an electric choke or possibly an Eelbrock carb, probably 800cfm. If anyone else has any constructive feedback to offer or knows anyone with similar issues please let me know.

Thanks, J

Not many here have good things to say about bills mills. Do a search, you'll find out.

Yet another high quality Bill Mitchell product :sad:. Now you'll get to experience Bill Mitchells' first class customer service :sad:. Too bad you didn't see all the horrible posts about their products before you bought the engine. I feel for ya.

Mike

I have recently installed a Merlin World Class 509 ci engine with aluminum heads. There appears to be a knocking sound in the upper half of the engine - I have had 2 different certified tech's look at the engine and both can't explain the noise. Secondly, the AED carb continues to foul the plugs - I have been told by Bill Mitchell that changing the carb would VOID the warranty, but at this point Im prepared to do what's necessary to get this engine to run correctly. Im thinking about replacing it with a 870 Holley with an electric choke or possibly an Eelbrock carb, probably 800cfm. If anyone else has any constructive feedback to offer or knows anyone with similar issues please let me know.

Thanks, J

It's still under warranty right? If it were me and 2 techs couldn't find the problem I would call and ask them what to do. For 13 GRAND I would pull it and send it right back. I know they get alot of money for there engines and wouldn't be worth loosing a warranty. There only 25 miles from me.

James I too feel for you. If you read up here on Bill Mitchell's stuff you will be shocked at what you find.

It was $11K but still more than anyone should pay to have these issues. Im surprised the knocking sounds weren't found when they Dyno'd the engine, but then again, maybe it wasn't - who knows. The warranty stipulates a $4.5K allowance to have the engine repaired - they will not take it back, hence the "limited warranty". Any other thoughts? They are theat close to you?

I too was interested in one of Bill Mitchell's engines until I started reading the posts here on how it's shipped to you "half assed", then when you call their tech line you get 5 different answers by 5 different people. With Bill Mitchell I don't think there really is a "warranty" since it seems like they don't stand behind their products.

And here's the kicker. Summit Racing used to sell the 540 hp 509 Merlin crate engine for $7495 about 2 years ago. Then I just checked last night and the price is up to $8800!

So I take it people are still buying these engines unaware of Bill Mitchell's history?

I'm beginning to wonder if would be cheaper (in terms of cost to build and parts) to build a copy of one of their engines myself? Or maybe it would be cheaper to do the machine shop do it?

It was $11K but still more than anyone should pay to have these issues. Im surprised the knocking sounds weren't found when they Dyno'd the engine, but then again, maybe it wasn't - who knows. The warranty stipulates a $4.5K allowance to have the engine repaired - they will not take it back, hence the "limited warranty". Any other thoughts? They are theat close to you?

What do you mean a allowance? Who will fix it? Your saying you can't send it back to them to get fixed? They are actually around 12 miles from me. Say here NO warranty? http://www.theengineshop.com/catalog/16.pdf How old is the motor?

Jim,

I wouldn't go replacing the carb just yet. The knocking sound and fouling could be interrelated (scored up cylinder/broken piston). May wanna do the basics first - compression and leakdown tests.

Jim,

I wouldn't go replacing the carb just yet. The knocking sound and fouling could be interrelated (scored up cylinder/broken piston). May wanna do the basics first - compression and leakdown tests.


I agree....Do those first. Did you try adjusting the idle screws on the carb? jetting down? I bought a Innovative air fuel meter www.innovativemotorsports.com The thing is great so far. Shows me exactly where my A/F is. Also get piece of 1 inch sprinkler hose put it to your ear and engine to locate the noise. You'll be suprised what you hear.

Guys,

Thanks for the insight - someone else who has a a freind with the same engine was told by someone at a Bill Mitchells that the noise is from a clearence issue and not to worry. I will ask the mechanic to perform a compression and leakdown test. It also suggests that engines with a hydraulic flat tapped camshaft which this motor has you should adjust the poly lock to where it touches the rocker arm and locks in place with no more than 1/8" turn of pre-load - it says this is not your typical hydraulic lifter.

Could this adjustment minimize the noise? As you can tell Im the owner and not the mechanic.

May I ask what the A/F is? Jim

I bought the engine on January 15th, 2007 and has just recently been fired up. I will call the warranty company and let them know my dissatisfaction with the engine and see how they will respond.

May I ask what the A/F is? Jim

Air/Fuel Mixture (ratio)

What is a leak down test and how is it perfomed? Thanks~

Thanks Chris - sorry for my ignorance

The $4500 is an insurance policy, not really a warranty. Once it's yours, you deal with the "warranty" (a.k.a. insurance) company. I think Shaffirof has the same deal on theirs.