REVERSE SCRIBE TOOL When port matching intake manifolds, I make some different shaped "Reverse Scribes" to get in and scribe mark the dye on the intake manifold flange side. It works great, is often easier than marking and transferring an intake gasket pattern, as...
ROCKER ARM ADJUSTMENT AND LIFTER PRELOAD Many engines and all but a few Chrysler engines were equipped at the factory with non-adjustable rocker arms. Anytime a solid lifter roller or flat tappet camshaft is used, you must also use adjustable rocker arms and the...
OTTER USE THIS SEAL If you are rebuilding Ford V8 marine engines from the 80's and 90's, the marine reverse rotation 1-piece rear main seals can be expensive and almost impossible to find. The late model PTFE rear seals are non-directional and make a great seal to use...
CHAMFER FILE After surfacing heads, I like to chamfer the bolt holes and chambers. For the bolt holes, the common chamfering tool in a hand drill is great. For chambers, I’ve found that while a razor blade works excellent for aluminum, a file works best for iron. I...
PUT A LID ON IT When machining on the CNC mill, it's necessary to blow the flood coolant and chips off the parts for inspection. I tried a tool holder mounted fan, but it wouldn't get all the chips and coolant out of the deeper areas. Using an air hose nozzle is...
LS CRANK I.D. The 5.3l and 6.0l LS engines use the same stroke crankshaft with the same casting number. But the balance is different on the cranks for the different bore size pistons. There is a quick way to determine which crank you have. If you look at the front and...