CHECK IT OUT AND CHECK IT OFF Checking your parts before starting the job is very important. Many years ago I worked in a machine shop assembling and installing engines after hours. It was very important to have all the correct parts before we close the doors at...
NO BUGS I put an aquarium bubbler in the coolant tank on my crankshaft grinder to keep the coolant moving. This keeps the algae from blooming and keeps the coolant better to work with. I used a pair of old main caps wired to the base to form a stand. When I don’t...
SQUARE RINGS IN A ROUND HOLE We have a quick trick to use while checking ring gaps on odd engines that you may not have a ring squaring tool for, and/ or the pistons are not of a flat top design. Set your digital-dial calipers for the depth you want to check the...
BEARING CRUSH AND VERTICAL CLEARANCE One of the most important factors in engine bearing design is a proper fit between the bearing and housing. Except for thrust washers, nearly all bearings are an interference fit. This means the bearing is slightly larger than the...
REMOVE THE WEB We have noticed through the years that many previously bored blocks come into our shop that have not had the web at the bottom of the cylinders relieved even with the bottom of the cylinders. Depending upon the bore’s oversize this can be a potential...
HOW TO PREVENT RE-RINGING No, I’m not talking about re-ringing a V-8. Like most EB readers, I’ve worked around cars and loud noises most of my life. I never gave a second thought to the high pitched whine of an air ratchet wrench, the sound of a milling machine, or a...