GET IT STRAIGHT When balancing crankshafts, I feel I is imperative that the crank straightness be checked and corrected for before any balance work is done to ensure accuracy. I have an offset indicator that I’ve come up with that mounts right in the mill drill on the...
BLUE BE GONE Metal parts that are exposed to too much heat will turn a shade of Blue. I found that brushing white vinegar on the eye of the connecting rod, after heating to install pistons, removes the Blue. Put vinegar in a plastic container for dipping small parts,...
WATCH FOR THE GROUND STRAP This happens far too often. After servicing late Chrysler Hemi heads, they’re back within a day or 2. If the installer is not careful, they get the ground strap between the head and the gasket during installation. Once they are torqued down...
LS SPRING HEIGHT Measuring installed height on LS or any other engine with beehive or small OD retainers can be tricky without a special height mic. But if you take your standard height mic and flip it upside down it will work. You will likely have to take a...
THRUST WATCH As engine builders we always make sure the crankshaft thrust is proper before assembling the rest of the engine. I believe we should also be measuring it again when it is in the vehicle because there are so many possible flywheel/clutch, torque converter...
QUICK T-NUTS Start with a carriage bolt with a head diameter 1/4" larger than the bottom of the T-slot. Be sure the bolt's square shank fits easily into the T-slot. Chuck the bolt in the lathe, drill and tap thru the head to a depth just beyond the end of the square...