OLD PARTS AS STANDARDS Here is a quick way to double check you settings on your Dial Bore Gauge or Sunnen AG-300 Rod Gauge. If you have an engine you work on all the time, make a simple standard from old parts to make sure you are set up correctly. I took a couple...
CK-4 Diesel Update Recently diesel engine oils changed from the decade old CJ-4 formulation to the new CK-4 formulation. While intended to be an upgrade, the new CK-4 formulation has been met with resistance and even an outright “do not use” warning from Ford Motor...
ELECTRIC ENGRAVING TOOL In our shop we use our TIG welder to remove broken exhaust manifold mounting studs from the exhaust side of cylinder heads. For setup we use DC straight polarity with high frequency start, a sharp tungsten electrode protruding about 3/8 inch...
MANIFOLD MOUNT Exhaust manifolds can be resurfaced using a surface grinder with the typical universal cylinder head fixture. First start by tapping threads in the thru holes. I have 1/2”, 9/16”, 5/8” & 3/4” All-thread pieces cut to 8” or so, that I screw into the...
RELUCTOR WHEEL INSTALLATION Many late model engines, like the LS series GM V8’s, use a press fit reluctor wheel as a crankshaft trigger. When the need arises to swap the crankshaft reluctor, some companies sell a tool for approximately $200. Taking one off is as...
BLOCK CRACK FIX On 400 SB Chevy blocks, the deck is the weak link. They have a tendency to crack between the water holes. I have found a successful fix for this. I drill and tap the water holes for tapered pipe plugs. Once they are sealed and threaded into the block,...