PROPER HEAD MOUNTING

PROPER HEAD MOUNTING

Each machine style, or machinist, has their own bolt mounting system for ridged clamping of the cylinder head to the rollover fixture. Our Winona machine has 2 universal T-handles with 7/16″ threaded rod and a fast mount bar it threads into. We have a variety of...
FISHTAILING

FISHTAILING

When machining threads on a lathe, a “Fishtail” is used to “square” the tool to the part. For external threads, the Fishtail’s long edges are held against the O.D. of the part, while the tool is aligned to fit in one of the...
PISTON VALVE CLAY

PISTON VALVE CLAY

This one may be a little obvious, but maybe not. When checking piston-to-valve clearance, use cold clay and roll the engine over. Then, cut it right down the middle with a razor blade to expose your clearance reference. It’s really easy and accurate to measure right...
CALCULATING FOR TIGHT SPACES

CALCULATING FOR TIGHT SPACES

I have found a very quick and accurate way of measuring the spring installed height on DOHC heads that don’t have enough room to use a spring height mic. I made a simple but precise piece of tubing on the lathe that I use as a standard. It’s important to...
DOWEL PIN HOLDER

DOWEL PIN HOLDER

Dowel pins can cause problems both removing and installing. Once they’ve been removed and the block decked, it’s time to reinstall them. Giant fingers get in the way and trying to finagle the dowel pin and drive with it with a hammer can be cumbersome. I use a boxed...