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...
SEAT REPAIRS THAT DON’T LEAK When installing valve seats, you sometimes run across porosity that leads into water at the base of the counterbore. I like to pressure test after the counterbores are If you have a seat that you’re trying to seal up, you can make a...
PRIME WITHOUT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD ON I prime all of my engines with the intake manifold off, valley open. You can see oil escaping around lifters and cam bearings. You can see if you have the wrong base circle camshaft on SB Ford hydraulic roller cams and if the...
SUCK IT UP When performing volume checks, this cuts down on the mess to clean up afterwards. Once finished pouring the volume, we use this syringe and a piece of tubing to suck the fluid out of the cylinder or chamber before removing the plate. The syringes can be...
BROACHING THE SUBJECT When broaching a keyway in a relatively thin part, such as this modified gear cut from a Chevy camshaft or a narrow pulley, I use an aluminum spacer to hold the broach guide bushing up and out of the work piece. This will help hold the broach...