by Donnie Hurt | Mar 1, 2021 | OTHER SHOP WORK
MAKE IT BIGGER Some engines are harder to increase the compression ratio on than others. Sometimes we are limited in cylinder head chamber size and sometimes higher compression pistons are not available or effective for certain engines. Increasing the crankshaft...
by Donnie Hurt | Mar 1, 2021 | CRANKSHAFTS & CONNECTING RODS
CRANK BALANCE SOCKET If your shop has a particular crankshaft design you tend to balance on a regular basis, we recommend using a crankshaft snout socket as a locator on your magnetic attachment for rpm and position on your balancer. This allows you to quickly remove...
by Donnie Hurt | Feb 1, 2021 | CYLINDER HEADS
VW VALVE BREAKAGE It is not uncommon for the Volkswagen 1.8L, 20-valve cylinder head to require several if not all new intake and exhaust valves once it reaches your shop door. A failed belt, water pump and tensioners can provide quick and devastating havoc inside the...
by Donnie Hurt | Feb 1, 2021 | PISTONS & RINGS
WHICH WAY IS UP When you are not sure which way the 2nd rings go in or cannot figure out the markings, remember, they are oil scrapers and have a tapered face. I hold one down to see which way it leans vs. a square. The side that leans towards the square is the top...
by Donnie Hurt | Feb 1, 2021 | LUBRICATION & COOLING
STOP FRETTING If you work on any high-power adder or high rpm engines, chances are you will see some fretting on the bottoms of main caps and the backside of the upper rod bearing. Even when the tune is right you will still see minor signs of movement between the...
