ANTI-VIBRATION TOWEL When machining or lightening a flywheel on a lathe, vibration and chattering will often cause a poor surface finish. To dampen the vibrations and achieve a nice smooth finish, soak a bath towel in water, wring it out and wrap the damp towel...
HEAVY METAL When adding heavy metal to crankshafts, you always want a nice clean installation. I start with a slightly heavier slug than required and machine the center of the tungsten like a barbell to bring the crank into balance, instead of running it short in the...
MAKE IT BIGGER Some engines are harder to increase the compression ratio on than others. Sometimes we are limited in cylinder head chamber size and sometimes higher compression pistons are not available or effective for certain engines. Increasing the crankshaft...
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...