MODIFIED VACUUM TESTER We all use vacuum to test valve to seat seal. I use a handheld Mityvac in conjunction with an electric vacuum pump. By taking the vent cap off top of Mityvac, I was able to hook the pump directly to it. Now I have the ability to apply, hold and...

IT’S ALL BALL BEARINGS THESE DAYS When checking volume on large chambers or ports, I fill them with precision steel ball bearings. It requires less time to fill and less fluid. Simply calculate the volume of the ball you’re using and multiply by the number added. Add...

HOMEMADE HEAD BENCH I fabricated an easy to clean steel topped cylinder head bench. Wrapping over the edge allowed for drilling holes, then inserting adjustable pipe holders. I can easily position any passenger car or light truck head for various work performed, from...

NOT JUST FOR RUST REPAIR We had to do a combustion chamber repair on some CNC machined LS3 cylinder heads that dropped an intake seat. We wanted it to perfectly match the other CNC chambers. After the new seats were installed and the valve job was cut to the proper...

TOOL BOX VALVE SEAL PULLER Removing valve stem seals in some import heads can be trouble. It's really a problem when you can't get pliers on it because it's deep in a tube or just not accessible. First get a sample valve seal and then find a deep 12-point socket that...

DIESEL FUEL LINE TEST I have a quick way to test the integral fuel lines in diesel heads such as the C15 Caterpillar. I install the fuel injectors to block the ports and attached an air chuck to the fuel inlet. Next, fill the exhaust ports with water and pressurize...