CAP MILLING I like to mill my main caps instead of grinding them, when possible. The milling process gets them very flat with accurate stock removal. This “Vice Adjuster” makes it quick to set tilt and I use a precision level along with an indicator to dial-in side to...
WHICH WAY IS UP When you are not sure which way the 2nd rings go in or cannot figure out the markings, remember, they are oil scrapers and have a tapered face. I hold one down to see which way it leans vs. a square. The side that leans towards the square is the top...
GETTING A HANDLE ON IT This is a simple handle I made for blocks to support them while setting them up in machines that require you to level or tram with a jack screw. It threads into a cylinder head bolt hole. I use it on the surfacer, lifter true machine and it is...
VW VALVE BREAKAGE It is not uncommon for the Volkswagen 1.8L, 20-valve cylinder head to require several if not all new intake and exhaust valves once it reaches your shop door. A failed belt, water pump and tensioners can provide quick and devastating havoc inside the...
STOP FRETTING If you work on any high-power adder or high rpm engines, chances are you will see some fretting on the bottoms of main caps and the backside of the upper rod bearing. Even when the tune is right you will still see minor signs of movement between the...
LIFTER BORE GO-NOGO An expedient method of checking and verifying both lifter bore wear and size is with a “go- nogo” gauge. This is not meant to replace the use of a dial bore gauge, just as a quick check. They are easily machined on a lathe. They can be machined...