by Donnie Hurt | Oct 1, 2017 | TOOLING
QUARTER-TO-HALF GAUGE FULL I picked up a Machinists’ Plug Gauge Set, in .250”-.500”, for scrap value due to its age. The uses are endless for the engine builder. Here are a few of mine: 1.) I use these as checking standards, or for set- ting a micrometer. 2.) They are...
by Donnie Hurt | Oct 1, 2017 | CRANKSHAFTS & CONNECTING RODS
GEN III VS. GEN IV CONNECTING RODS The early Gen-3 press-fit connecting rod was replaced by the Gen-4 free-floating piston pin with rod bushings. Some shops try to upgrade Gen-3 engines by substituting Gen-4 pistons, and keeping the earlier rods. You need to be aware...
by Donnie Hurt | Sep 1, 2017 | OPERATIONS
DO YOU ASS-UME? You’ve heard the expression about “assume”? It will make an “ass” out of “u” and “me”. Here’s a simple tip that goes back to marketing 101 – Don’t assume your customers know what they need. And, don’t assume they know what you know. The best way...
by Donnie Hurt | Sep 1, 2017 | CAMSHAFTS & VALVE TRAIN
TOP 10 CAM FAILURE CULPRITS 1) COIL BIND-when a spring compresses solid before or during full camshaft lift. 2) RETAINER TO SEAL BIND-the distance from the top of the valve seal to the bottom of the retainer must be greater than the valve’s lift. 3) IMPROPER VALVE...
by Donnie Hurt | Sep 1, 2017 | TOOLING
CART HEIGHT=BENCH HEIGHT=HAPPY BACKS In our shop we seem to constantly be moving cylinder heads around. First from arrival at the door to a tear down bench, then to the jet wash, to a storage shelf, to benches to be worked on and then to benches to be assembled. We...