When machining threads on a lathe, a "Fishtail" is used to "square" the tool to the part. For external threads, the Fishtail's long edges are held against the O.D. of the part, while the tool is aligned to fit in one of the Fishtail's "V" notches. When cutting...
This one may be a little obvious, but maybe not. When checking piston-to-valve clearance, use cold clay and roll the engine over. Then, cut it right down the middle with a razor blade to expose your clearance reference. It’s really easy and accurate to measure right...
I have found a very quick and accurate way of measuring the spring installed height on DOHC heads that don't have enough room to use a spring height mic. I made a simple but precise piece of tubing on the lathe that I use as a standard. It's important to measure...
Dowel pins can cause problems both removing and installing. Once theyve been removed and the block decked, its time to reinstall them. Giant fingers get in the way and trying to finagle the dowel pin and drive with it with a hammer can be cumbersome. I use a boxed...
VOLTMETER SPEEDOMETER For those like me who possess a head and block surfacer that employs a potentiometer to adjust the speed of the traverse, I install a D.C voltmeter on the voltage input of the D.C drive motor. Now I adjust the finish by the voltage of the motor...
DEDICATED DRIVER With all the small and big block Chevs we've done, I made dedicated cam bearing drivers for removal. This is much quicker than the expandable tools and if you have only one set it doesn't have to be cleaned continuously and can be kept for assembly. I...