QUARTER-TO-HALF GAUGE FULL I picked up a Machinists’ Plug Gauge Set, in .250”-.500”, for scrap value due to its age. The uses are endless for the engine builder. Here are a few of mine: 1.) I use these as checking standards, or for set- ting a micrometer. 2.) They are...
BOLTS AS HANDLES Sometimes, the simplest thing can become the perfect tool. To properly install a camshaft doesn’t need an expensive special tool. A long bolt or 2 can make a great camshaft installation tool. Stack a pile of fender washers on your bolt for a...
CAP-ILLARY SEAL The screw on caps for many sealants do nothing to prevent the sealant from drying in the nozzle. I used to hate digging out the dried Sealant. Not anymore. My co-worker told me to pack a 1/4 of the nozzle with lube. If no air gets to the sealant, it...
GEN III VS. GEN IV CONNECTING RODS The early Gen-3 press-fit connecting rod was replaced by the Gen-4 free-floating piston pin with rod bushings. Some shops try to upgrade Gen-3 engines by substituting Gen-4 pistons, and keeping the earlier rods. You need to be aware...
SURFACE PLATE ADAPTER Some cylinder heads, like small block Mopars, have the intake manifold bolt holes at a slight angle from the manifold flange. This makes it hard to mount on our surfacing machine milling plate because, when you tighten up the mounting studs...
CART HEIGHT=BENCH HEIGHT=HAPPY BACKS In our shop we seem to constantly be moving cylinder heads around. First from arrival at the door to a tear down bench, then to the jet wash, to a storage shelf, to benches to be worked on and then to benches to be assembled. We...