DEPTH SETTER

DEPTH SETTER

Continual measuring takes time and doesn’t make any money. I take a measurement from the gasket surface on diesel heads before removing the guides. I use a large diameter disc, add balancer washers, ARP washers and whatever it takes to get the guide driver the...
USING OFFSET LOCKS

USING OFFSET LOCKS

We all know how handy offset locks can be when setting up valve springs, and here are a couple tips regarding using them. With heavy spring pressures, I’d recommend against using positive height offsets, as you lose some support at the keeper groove, possibly...
CHUCK RUN-OUT

CHUCK RUN-OUT

A small reduction of run-out on lathe or crankshaft grinder chucks, with bolt on top jaws, can often be achieved by an even torque of the socket head cap screws that attach the top jaws. I’ve included the proper torque, by cap screw size, for the more common American...
TAKING CAM BREAK IN SERIOUSLY

TAKING CAM BREAK IN SERIOUSLY

When breaking in flat tappet cams, I place these Rare Earth Magnets on the top of the outer head bolts, and I’ll use break-in rocker arms when the open pressure is high. These and a magnet on the drain plug let me keep an immediate eye on ferrous metal, and I...
CRANK DRIVEN PUMP TEST

CRANK DRIVEN PUMP TEST

It’s hard to trust many parts today. We’ve seen new oil pumps with issues right out of the box. We always take them apart to clean and inspect, lube up the pressure relief valve, and put them back together. Old style shaft driven pumps are pretty easy to...