CLEANING 3-JAW CHUCKS This is a quick & easy way to clean 3-jaw crankshaft grinder and lathe chuck scrolls. - Make a stubby chuck key driver for use in a cordless drill; quickly remove the jaws. - Insert a toothbrush in one of the jaw slots, then run the...
LIFTING HEAVY CRANKSHAFTS SAFELY We found placing cranks, whether light or heavy, can be difficult to do on a hot tank pressure washing stand. And this is even harder to lift after the crank is washed and hot. To protect the machined surfaces and make it safer, pick...
SINGLE EXHAUST VACUUM CHECKING If you are like me, you test all the valve to seats seal with a vacuum test. It’s not possible when you have a single exhaust system. What I use is plumbers’ putty on the valves of the chambers not being tested to assure a good seal. It...
OIL BOTTLE We modify small plastic bottles, purchased on-line, for cutting oil, tapping fluid, assembly lube, etc. We've tried bottles with dispenser tips, however those with metal "needle tips" can scratch parts, while the plastic tips are usually too short, or...
NARROWING BEARINGS When I need to narrow a set of rod bearings, I have bucks that I’ve turned to the size of the crank pin. Then, I wrap a single layer of masking tape around them to protect the bearing. I hold the bearing to the spud with a couple hose clamps,...
MODIFY AS NEEDED Many times, the flange diameter of the rod nuts will contact the radius around the nut seat on some rods. Some jobs may not warrant the expense of spot facing the nut seat on the connecting rods. In that case, it can be quicker and effective to just...