by Donnie Hurt | Jul 7, 2025 | CRANKSHAFTS & CONNECTING RODS
When I’m balancing a crank and need to add Mallory-metal, I chuck a marker or paint pen into the drill and peck a mark on the counterweight. Once I remove the crank to go to the mill to drill through the side, I have a nice reference for where to center the hole. Big...
by Donnie Hurt | Jul 3, 2025 | BLOCK WORK
It is good practice to lube up the main cap registers on aluminum blocks before seating the main caps. I have noticed the registers will peel aluminum when driving a steel main cap into place. Applying a thin layer of high-pressure grease to the cap and block will...
by Donnie Hurt | Jun 18, 2025 | GASKETS & SEALING
When I’m installing intakes using a composition gasket, I lightly coat the inside of the water ports with RTV gasket sealer. This prevents the coolant from soaking into the gasket and leaking over time. I use gasket sealant instead of gasket maker to allow the...
by Donnie Hurt | Jun 18, 2025 | TOOLING
You can use a magnetic base from a dial indicator stand to hold your work while grinding parts like thin cover plates on a disc sander. It saves your fingertips. Tom Nichols Automotive Machine & Supply, Inc Cleburne, TX
by Donnie Hurt | Jun 18, 2025 | ASSEMBLY
Here’s a tip on painting around installed plugs on a fresh bare block. I use old paper tubes. I split them longways, cut to the desired length, and made a slit to overlap with the required I.D. of what I want to mask. In the cam tunnel, I use a paint can lid. Big Don...
