SPARK PLUG TUBE-ECTOMY When removing spark plug tubes from heads like the Chrysler Magnum’s, it is important to not damage the tube if you want to reuse them and have a secure fit. These heads have usually been in service for a while and will have a rusty bond to the...
ORGANIZE AND SAVE Organizing your parts inventory in your shop, building or warehouse is difficult whether it’s a few pieces or a few thousand parts. Start by thinking about what it’s going to take to find that part later on. Have an area set aside for just parts,...
MORE ON CAM GEAR CLEARANCING I recently read a Shop Solution about using a cam and cam gear to test for gear to block clearance on late small block Chevy blocks. Well, here is our tool I’ve used for years. It’s an aluminum hub that’s .002 under cam bearing bore size...
YES, I’M IN 100% Many years ago, before I got into the engine business, I met an attorney who told a story that made sense then and still applies today. He said, “when I represent a defendant, I get paid 100% up front, that way I only have to worry about keeping my...
ENGINE BEARINGS - FRICTION AND PRE-LUBRICATION Overcoming friction is essential to successful bearing service. In order to understand friction we must take a close-up look at a “smooth” surface. If we were to take a cross-section of a polished piece of metal, we would...
IN DEPTH DISCUSSION I’ve found another use for a deck height bridge. When replacing seats on race cylinder heads, especially Big Block Chev, I use a deck bridge with an indicator extension to first check where the valve was and should be. Then when machining the seats...