PRESSED FOR FAST BLEED DOWN When reassembling late model Chrysler heads with roller follower/hydraulic lash adjuster type lifters, I found that they bleed down much faster when turned upside down. When I used the vise it would take 2 or 3 squeezes and sometimes they...
CAMSHAFT INDENTIFICATION Our shop has had a cam analyzer for over 28 years. Recently I was at an friends shop and had to remember how we did it in the old days. He needed to verify which of the three customer-supplied cams to install because the previous shop had...
MAGNETIC LIFTER CATCH On the LS engine platform, when changing camshafts, the hydraulic lifters can fall into the oil pan on performance blocks such as the LSX. Instead of plastic buckets to hold the lifters up, these engines only have anti-rotational guides, that do...
TOP 10 CAM FAILURE CULPRITS 1) COIL BIND-when a spring compresses solid before or during full camshaft lift. 2) RETAINER TO SEAL BIND-the distance from the top of the valve seal to the bottom of the retainer must be greater than the valve’s lift. 3) IMPROPER VALVE...
LIFTER BORE STANDARDS To check lifter bores for finish, burrs or obstruction, I made tools by removing the plunger and internal parts from some lifters. I have a set of various “empty” lifters, specific to application. You can stick the lifter on the end of your...
STAMPED STEEL ROCKER ARM BREAK-IN Many classes of racing require the use of stamped steel rocker arms, and many budget crate engines utilize stamped steel rocker arms. Because stamped steel rocker arms do not feature a roller bearing pivot, stamped steel rocker arms...