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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
INEXPENSIVE AND EFFECTIVE ROD HEATER This cheap rod heater is one I’ve used for over 30 years. I’ve bought and sold a few traditional rod heaters, but I like this better. It can be used anywhere in the shop. Replacement bottles are available from the hardware store,...