FIRE WIRE When I install wire O-rings, I use a mini handheld belt sander to do the first 45° scarf cut. Then, I walk the ring wire around, partially depth-set in place, leaving about 5/8” of a tail. Next, I mark the mating end with a felt tip marker. This gives you a...
SET-UP STEMS When checking in heads, it's nice to just use “Set-up Stems” instead of having a box of miscellaneous valves for testing. They can at least tell you if the valve guides are useable or worn. I have the common sizes, the ones I use a lot and plan to add...
CHALK UP ANOTHER TIP To prevent a clogged file from marring your work, try filling the file's teeth with chalk. Children's sidewalk chalk works well for this. Should the file become clogged, a length of 3/8" or 1/2" copper tubing, with one end flattened, will quickly...
BEHIND CURTAIN #1 Everyone hates cleaning the flywheel grinder. Chipping or scraping takes time and is not very productive. We found that lining the inside of the machine with a cut up shower curtain or plastic sheet and using spring clips to secure it at the top...
BROKEN TAP OR EZ-OUT If you have broken a tap or easy-out, how do you drill it? Go to the hardware store and buy a few cheap masonry drills. The type with a spade piece of carbide in the end. These drills will put up with lots of abuse and you can drill a hole in a...
BOBWEIGHT PLACEMENT I always “phase” my bobweights. I start by screwing in a couple bolts into the crankshaft flange. It seems to be a good starting place and seems to place the first throw up. I level across the bolts then 0 my degree wheel. Then I level each...