MORE DOWEL REMOVAL A great way of pulling precision dowels without damaging them, is to make a collared spud that slip fits into the dowel. Then, use a collet type dowel pin puller. The spud will allow the collet to clamp down without collapsing the dowel. We use this...
PISTON TO VALVE Everyone knows the clay method for piston to valve checks. Some people like to use a dial indicator with light “checker” valve springs installed, but that method doesn’t tell you about the actual numbers with the real valve spring installed. So, first...
OIL PUMP PRESSURE TESTER When modifying oil pumps for max relief pressure, it can be a crapshoot until the engine is running. This is one of my 50-year-old test units manufactured essentially from spare parts. A main cap, pressure gauge, and a sealable container. (To...
GET IT RIGHT When line boring and trying to figure out bearing clearance on an engine family that's out of your norm, check your clearances before you start. Torque a bearing into a good bore and use the stock fasteners if you plan on aftermarket bolts or studs, so it...
HEIGHT GAUGE Checking and calibrating your installed height gauges is something that should be done occasionally. If the height is off, simply reference mark where the scale ring needs to be, heat, remove and reinstall in the correct position. Ron Flood Cedar Machine...
REMOVING BOLTS BY CANDLE Removing broken bolts and studs can be surprisingly easy. First clean the area, then you heat up the broken bolt or stud. Let it cool for 5 minutes. Put a candle or paraffin wax on the broken bolt or stud. Let it sit for another 15 minutes...