by Donnie Hurt | Jun 1, 2022 | TOOLING
DON’T FAKE IT, MAKE IT The only way to make money in your shop is to be able to do the job quickly and efficiently. This means having the right good equipment and tooling. But when you get caught needing a special tool and there’s no time to wait, just...
by Donnie Hurt | Jun 1, 2022 | CRANKSHAFTS & CONNECTING RODS
INSTALLATION TOOL TOOL When installing a reluctor wheel on an LS crankshaft, using the brand name alignment tool, use a piece of 4.5″ pipe, notched and with a bar welded on the back to take the hammer blows. I can avoid banging on the tool and this provides a...
by Donnie Hurt | Jun 1, 2022 | PISTONS & RINGS
FILL IT TO THE TOP If you have a piston with a dome volume, you’re unsure of, here’s an easy way to check. Wrap a single layer of thick packing tape around the head land, taller than the dome. It will maintain the full round shape if you’re careful....
by Donnie Hurt | May 1, 2022 | TOOLING
QUICK EASY STRAP WRENCH The diameter of a diesel engine oil filter was larger than my biggest filter wrench, so I made this strap wrench from an old spark plug socket, worn-out poly-V serpentine belt, and a short length of PVC 1/2″ schedule 40 pipe. I used an...
by Donnie Hurt | May 1, 2022 | PISTONS & RINGS
IT’S HIP TO BE SQUARE It’s tough to end gap rings in a canted deck engine such as a 409 Chevy. Turn a scrap piece of cylinder sleeve to about .003’ smaller than the bore. Make sure it’s long enough. Use that and it will allow you to push the rings down the bore...
