GOOD SOLUTION When checking volume on cylinder heads, I like to use windshield washer fluid as the measuring liquid. To keep it from flash rusting seats and iron heads after it’s drained, I’ll put a splash of radiator coolant additive in the gallon jug. This has...
RECYCLE YOUR RESOURCES Most piston sets come in a bag. Some customers do not take off all the external parts when they bring in cylinder heads. Use those piston bags to put the various cylinder head parts in to keep them organized for reassembly. Place a label on...
GOOD SEATS When I grind valve seats and want a nice finish when I get done, I take a strip of abrasive cloth about 1/4 inch wide and 4 inches long. I place it between the seat and stone with the abrasive side facing the stone. I hold the cloth with one hand and then...
CORE PLUG PULLING Some core plugs are notoriously tricky to remove. One example, that I see a lot of, is the deep plugs used in the back two positions of big block Chryslers where the cylinder wall is close to the plug hole. I simply tack weld a nut to the core plug....
SIMPLE SCRAPER I made a few of these simple scrapers to leave around the shop. They're really great for getting after rusty surfaces. An aluminum handle with used carbide tooling bolted on. They are simple to make. Repurpose your bits! Randy Torvinen Torvinen's...
WORKING SMARTER We have used a Lisle hand held keeper installer tool to assemble small import heads for many years. It can be hard on your hand pushing on the tool to get the keepers to seat, especially on aftermarket springs that are stiffer than the originals. But...