by Donnie Hurt | Jul 1, 2021 | CRANKSHAFTS & CONNECTING RODS
TAP-TAP DOWEL REMOVAL When attempting to remove a locating dowel pin from a connecting rod, screw in a tap with the same diameter as the dowel pin. Then use a punch or drift to hit against the tap from the other side. The tap will grip the dowel pin and keep you from...
by Donnie Hurt | Jun 1, 2021 | CYLINDER HEADS
LS SPRING HEIGHT Measuring installed height on LS or any other engine with beehive or small OD retainers can be tricky without a special height mic. But if you take your standard height mic and flip it upside down it will work. You will likely have to take a...
by Donnie Hurt | Jun 1, 2021 | GASKETS & SEALING
WATCH FOR THE GROUND STRAP This happens far too often. After servicing late Chrysler Hemi heads, they’re back within a day or 2. If the installer is not careful, they get the ground strap between the head and the gasket during installation. Once they are torqued down...
by Donnie Hurt | Jun 1, 2021 | CRANKSHAFTS & CONNECTING RODS
GET IT STRAIGHT When balancing crankshafts, I feel I is imperative that the crank straightness be checked and corrected for before any balance work is done to ensure accuracy. I have an offset indicator that I’ve come up with that mounts right in the mill drill on the...
by Donnie Hurt | Jun 1, 2021 | ASSEMBLY
THRUST WATCH As engine builders we always make sure the crankshaft thrust is proper before assembling the rest of the engine. I believe we should also be measuring it again when it is in the vehicle because there are so many possible flywheel/clutch, torque converter...
