ASSEMBLY LUBE I keep a container of engine assembly lube at my cylinder head work bench. A good dab of assembly lube holds spring cups and or shims in place during cylinder head assembly. Too many times the shims came off and got mixed up, so I started doing this and...
CLEAN INSERT INSTALL I made this tool to install slotted drive thread inserts. This is for when you want to run them upside down for a cleaner install, and to recess them. The alloy DOM tube is turned down to fit the tapped hole. Drive them in, and simply loosen the...
EASY SET SCREW This is an easy way to align a pulley or sprocket, when drilling and tapping for a set screw on the key. Suspend the pulley (or sprocket) on a length of key stock, supported and by vise jaws. Tighten the vise to secure the pulley. Center over the keyway...
PREVENTABLE LIFTER CLATTER The lifter oil feed hole on common GM LS lifters is offered in more than one orientation. Both are functionally correct and interchangeable. The difference is in the location of the oil feed hole. Both should be installed such that some oil...
VALVE SEAL REMOVAL For removing the top hat valves stem seals on heads with bucket holes hard to reach, I use stripped sockets the right size, with an extension. Knock it to grip and use a battery-operated ratchet to spin the seals out. It takes only a second per...
BLASTED TOOLS I always keep a pair of needle nose pliers and a small straight screwdriver in my blast cabinet to hold small parts when blasting. It saves the problem of frequently replacing a glove with a hole in it and having to chase parts around the cabinet. Lee...