by Donnie Hurt | May 1, 2015 | OPERATIONS
CURRENTLY TRENDING As I visit machine shops around the state, I notice some common trends. Shops have downsized to some extent over the years. Many of the shops no longer want to assemble engines. They claim that they don’t want the liability of assembling engines...
by Donnie Hurt | Apr 1, 2015 | CAMSHAFTS & VALVE TRAIN
NOISY, BUT NOT ALWAYS DEFECTIVE VALVE LIFTERS Hydraulic valve lifters are probably the most precision machined part inside any engine. It does not take much to cause one to operate incorrectly. In this case we are not referring to lifter failure due to metal to metal...
by Donnie Hurt | Apr 1, 2015 | OPERATIONS
PROTECT YOUR #1 ASSET What is your business’ #1 asset? Hand tools? Head equipment? Inventory? Every day owners protect their company assets by setting alarms and securing doors. But how often do you think about protecting your most valuable asset? …Your Workers....
by Donnie Hurt | Apr 1, 2015 | CYLINDER HEADS
GOOD HEADS I’ve heard many shops complain about the finish and quality of some of the new bare cylinder head castings that are imported into the U.S. No one ever complains about the price, just the finish. In my shop, I look at these new castings as “a good core”. I...
by Donnie Hurt | Apr 1, 2015 | DISASSEMBLY & CLEANING
BALL PLUGS Ball plugs that can’t be accessed and knocked out are difficult to remove. I use my Heli- arc welder and heat the ball until it is red hot. Then I weld a filler rod to it. When cool, it is usually loose and can be pulled out. If the ball is staked in,...