by Donnie Hurt | Apr 1, 2022 | ASSEMBLY
MOCKUP When I mockup to check for piston to valve clearance or pushrod length, I use cardboard strips to simulate the compressed gasket thickness. I lightly snug down a couple of bolts and save the gaskets for the final assembly. Another handy mockup tip is to wrap...
by Donnie Hurt | Mar 1, 2022 | TOOLING
TRAVEL DIAL For lathes without a DRO, a 2″ travel dial indicator to measure carriage travel is handy. I quickly made this simple compact indicator mount clamp from two pieces of scrap aluminum. To eliminate the need for a wrench to tighten or loosen it when...
by Donnie Hurt | Mar 1, 2022 | DISASSEMBLY & CLEANING
BACK TRACKING To save my old shoulders and back I had to come up with a way to get the big diesel blocks in and out of the spray washer. This track, with short pieces of angle iron welded on, catches on a brace. It lets me pry them in and out until the chain hoist can...
by Donnie Hurt | Mar 1, 2022 | TOOLING
MAGNETIC INDICATOR On my surfacer, I use a simple popular universal magnetic base with a dial indicator to tram my work piece or index fixture. This dials the actual head in dead-on and works great for machines without an indicator rail. It also allows you to tram...
by Donnie Hurt | Mar 1, 2022 | CRANKSHAFTS & CONNECTING RODS
PRIMING PUMP You can make a GM-LS engine priming tool using just about any oil pump. I used a new big block Chevy M77 pump that I already had. I tapped the inlet and outlet to NPT threads and installed fittings to adapt to rubber hoses. The pressure side needs to...
