VACUUM CHECKING PORTS WITH EGR HOLES It’s difficult to vacuum test the exhaust valves on the 5 valve per cylinder VW cylinder head and many other heads due to the EGR hole in each port. I’ve found an easy solution. Save the dried silicone from the tip of the tube of...
CLEANING BUCKET STYLE HYDRAULIC LIFTERS Unlike their flat tappet cousins, bucket style hydraulic lifters can often be reused if inspected, validated and cleaned. The problem is taking them apart. I developed this hammer tool to separate the plunger from the body....
INSPECTING VALVES BEFORE REBUILDING A CYLINDER HEAD Using a gasket scraper, clean all carbon deposits from valve heads. Follow this by cleaning with a wire brush and solvent. Keep all valves organized so they will be put back in their original locations in the head....
IN DEPTH DISCUSSION I’ve found another use for a deck height bridge. When replacing seats on race cylinder heads, especially Big Block Chev, I use a deck bridge with an indicator extension to first check where the valve was and should be. Then when machining the seats...
COMBUSTION CHAMBER MOLDS When making chamber molds for a variety of purposes, including holding up the valves on the assembly bench (As opposed to a beanbag or shop rag) common auto body filler (Bondo) works very well. It’s fast and very inexpensive. Just mix the body...
NON-STICK EQUALS NICER FINISH I find that when machining some valve seats my cutter will get a build up and give a poor finish. I use a small knife to scrape the cutter clean, than I smear PAM (non-stick spray) on the seat and the cutter for the last .002” cut. It...