MYSTERY OIL CONSUMPTION Sometimes we get engines in the shop that have unexplained oil consumption. The rings, valve guides and seals all appear to be just fine. Valve guide replacement, spring cup modifications, heavy porting and machining rocker arm bosses are just...

SIMPLE BUT EFFECTIVE If you have to bleed down bucket style lifters you can make a easy to use tool from an old junk valve. Just cut the stem off leaving an inch or so above the face of the valve. Dress the end up in the grinder and you have a free tool that takes...

BMW UNDER PRESSURE One of the most difficult heads to pressure test is the BMW DOHC 6 cylinder. It is nearly impossible to plug the water outlet on the side of the head, until now. A “T handle drain plug” from a boat is the perfect size, and easy to install and...

TAKE ME TO THE PILOT Just about everybody uses either dead pilot or live pilot valve seat forming tools, and once in a while when cutting large diameter seats chatter will occur. We have found that an application of STP or LUCAS engine oil treatment on the pilot will...

LIFTER COLLAPSER I manufactured a tool to collapse lifters including Toyota, Volvo and other bucket lifters. I made a frame for a bottle jack out of 1 1/2” and 2” square tube. I used some valve springs to raise the base when the pressure is released. I manufactured a...

LET IN THE LIGHT(ER) When vacuum checking 4 valve per cylinder heads, its hard to tell if its both or just one valve that’s leaking. Use your vacuum tester and one of those long inexpensive BBQ or candlestick lighters. Hold the lighter close to the valves and the...