SINGLE EXHAUST VACUUM CHECKING If you are like me, you test all the valve to seats seal with a vacuum test. It’s not possible when you have a single exhaust system. What I use is plumbers’ putty on the valves of the chambers not being tested to assure a good seal. It...
OIL BOTTLE We modify small plastic bottles, purchased on-line, for cutting oil, tapping fluid, assembly lube, etc. We've tried bottles with dispenser tips, however those with metal "needle tips" can scratch parts, while the plastic tips are usually too short, or...
NARROWING BEARINGS When I need to narrow a set of rod bearings, I have bucks that I’ve turned to the size of the crank pin. Then, I wrap a single layer of masking tape around them to protect the bearing. I hold the bearing to the spud with a couple hose clamps,...
MODIFY AS NEEDED Many times, the flange diameter of the rod nuts will contact the radius around the nut seat on some rods. Some jobs may not warrant the expense of spot facing the nut seat on the connecting rods. In that case, it can be quicker and effective to just...
MINI PROTRACTOR Sometimes a machinist's protractor is too cumbersome in cramped spaces to compare angled surfaces on a part. A feeler gauge set works very well as a protractor in tight spots. Modify the gauge by adding a screw and nut to lock it in position. Tom...
END PLAY Setting crankshaft end play on engines that you do frequently can be made easy and save time. If you do enough engines, you will always find yourself lapping thrust bearings to get desired end play. Start recording the width of thrust bearings after you have...