After running a good qualifying session at the SOVREN Fall Finale at Pacific
Raceways this past Saturday AM, #24 TR4 started to run very poorly and barely
made it off the track. After checking plugs, wires, etc. , we refired the
motor and discovered a strange noise under the valve cover.
Turns out a rocker stud had broken, causing the rocker shaft to shear off! I
figured I was out for the weekend, but wandered over to Bill Babcock's paddock
with broken parts in hand. I asked if he had a spare rocker shaft and sure
enough, Bill had one complete with rockers, springs, ready to bolt on!! Also
two
pushrods and he suggested how to tap out the broken stud. It was time for
Bill to take Peyote out for the first race, so Charly Mitchel, my Moss
Supplier,
Plumber, TR6 racer, and one of my TR mentors took over. In minutes the stud
was out. Still short a rocker stud, another FOTer and fellow TR4 racer, Jeff
Quick, sent Charlie and me over to his home near the track to pull one out of
an
extra head.
We were ready to go for the afternoon race and #24 never ran better! Both
Sunday races went without incident( except my rookie mistake of trying to start
the morning race in third instead of second ) and I can't say enough "thank
yous" to Bill, Charlie, and Jeff for their help, encouragement, and sharing
their
parts and knowledge!!
In addition to buying a great 4 from Uncle Jack and Joe Alexander, the help
I've received in person and from learning through the e-mails, FOTers are a
great bunch of people!
Now for the winter projects! Any spare overdrives out there for sale!
Regards, John James
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