A Winter Rebuild for Eva: Confronting Rod Knock

When you own a custom car like my Tiger Cat E1, you expect to hit a few bumps in the road, but nothing quite prepared me for the dreaded engine knock that recently made itself known in Eva. What I initially thought was a timing issue turned out to be much more serious: rod knock – one of the most feared engine problems among car enthusiasts. With winter approaching, I’m gearing up for an engine rebuild to get Eva ready for the road next spring. Here’s how it all unfolded and what lies ahead in this journey.

The Mysterious Knock: First Signs of Trouble

It all started with a faint knock coming from the engine – a noise that caught my attention right away. At first, I thought it might be a timing issue. Timing problems can often cause strange noises, and they’re generally less serious to fix. I adjusted the timing slightly and checked over the ignition, but the knock persisted.

Still hopeful, I turned to the forums for advice. The car community is an amazing resource, filled with people who’ve seen it all. But after sharing some details and running through additional tests based on their suggestions, it quickly became clear that I was dealing with something far more concerning.

The Diagnosis: Rod Knock

After a few tests and some solid advice from fellow car enthusiasts, the verdict was in: rod knock. For those unfamiliar, rod knock is a sound that typically indicates a worn or damaged bearing on the connecting rod. When the bearing wears down, it allows the connecting rod to move slightly out of sync with the crankshaft, producing a deep, rhythmic knock.

Rod knock is essentially the sound of metal-on-metal contact inside the engine, and unfortunately, it’s not a problem you can ignore or easily fix. Left untreated, rod knock can lead to catastrophic engine failure. And in my case, it meant one thing: time for a full engine rebuild.

Facing Reality: A Winter Rebuild

As much as I dreaded the idea, rebuilding Eva’s engine over the winter became the obvious choice. Rod knock doesn’t resolve itself, and there’s no quick fix to get around it. Taking apart the engine, inspecting all the components, and replacing the damaged parts is the only way to truly fix rod knock – and it’s also a chance to get everything back to factory specifications (or better!) for a fresh start in the spring.

I’m not going to lie: engine rebuilds aren’t for the faint of heart. They require time, tools, patience, and a good understanding of engine mechanics. But for someone passionate about their car, a rebuild is also an opportunity. I’ll have the chance to get intimate with every part of Eva’s engine, understanding each component in a way that’s only possible through hands-on work.

Planning the Rebuild: Parts, Tools, and a Lot of Research

Rebuilding Eva’s engine means I’ll need to be precise and prepared. Here’s my general game plan:

  1. Gathering Replacement Parts: Since rod knock damages bearings, I’ll need a complete set of rod bearings and possibly main bearings. I’ll also check for any damage to the crankshaft and connecting rods, which may need replacement or re-machining.
  2. Inspecting and Upgrading Components: An engine rebuild offers a chance to upgrade or refresh other parts as well. This might include new piston rings, gaskets, and seals, along with a close inspection of the camshaft and timing chain.
  3. Getting the Right Tools and Work Space: From engine stands to specialty tools, this job requires a well-equipped workspace. I’m preparing my garage with everything I’ll need and mapping out the process to keep things organized.
  4. Following a Rebuild Guide and Learning from Experts: I’ll be leaning on the knowledge from forums, rebuild guides, and possibly even a mentor or two to ensure I’m on the right track every step of the way.

The Silver Lining: A Fresh Start for Eva

It’s never fun to discover an issue as serious as rod knock, but I’m choosing to see the upside. Rebuilding Eva’s engine means she’ll be back to peak performance – and with a few potential upgrades, she might run better than ever. Once spring arrives, I’ll know that every mile I drive is supported by an engine I rebuilt myself, with meticulous care and precision.

There’s something deeply satisfying about taking on a project this big. Sure, it’s intimidating, and there will undoubtedly be setbacks. But in the end, this is the essence of car ownership for someone like me – getting under the hood, solving problems, and pouring a bit of myself into my car.

Final Thoughts

With winter stretching ahead, it’s time to roll up my sleeves and get started. By the time spring arrives, I’m determined to have Eva back on the road, purring with a fresh engine that’s ready for new adventures.

For anyone out there facing a similar issue or contemplating an engine rebuild, my advice is this: embrace it as a learning experience. It’s a chance to bring your car back to life with your own two hands. And who knows – the journey might be just as rewarding as the destination.


Thanks for following along on this journey with Eva and me. Stay tuned for updates as I tackle the rebuild, and feel free to reach out with tips or words of encouragement!

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2 responses to “A Winter Rebuild for Eva: Confronting Rod Knock”

  1. Ian Sumner avatar
    Ian Sumner

    Leave buying the bearings until you have the crank in your hand as refurbing the crank involves grinding back to round. Your journals are now smaller and you need “under size” shells (which are thicker) as a result.
    The pinto crank is a tough one and often the shells take all the punishment. You need to check for ovality.

    1. Athanasios Politis avatar

      Thank you, Ian, for your valuable advice!
      That makes perfect sense and will definitely save me time, money, and unnecessary hassle.
      It’s reassuring to know the Pinto crank is so durable—fingers crossed the shells have taken most of the wear.
      I really appreciate your guidance!

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