TAKE ME TO THE PILOT Just about everybody uses either dead pilot or live pilot valve seat forming tools, and once in a while when cutting large diameter seats chatter will occur. We have found that an application of STP or LUCAS engine oil treatment on the pilot will...
FEELING RAIL GAP It can be very difficult to check end gap on oil ring rails or gapless ring rails. I opened up the gap on a top ring of the appropriate bore size and squared it in the cylinder with a tool made from a scrap sleeve. Just set the rails on the top ring...
LIFTER COLLAPSER I manufactured a tool to collapse lifters including Toyota, Volvo and other bucket lifters. I made a frame for a bottle jack out of 1 1/2” and 2” square tube. I used some valve springs to raise the base when the pressure is released. I manufactured a...
BALANCING ACT I installed pulleys at the top of my 20-ton press. I ran cables from the bed up and over the top. I welded up the ends of 2 pieces of 4” square pipe to form 2 bucket which I loaded with enough lead tire weights to act as a counterbalance to the bed. Now...
LAP IT UP Allen head bolts get stripped out easily. If they are showing signs of wear, before trying to remove them fill the recess with lapping compound then install the proper allen bit. This will make it a little tighter and have better grab so it doesn’t strip as...
LET IN THE LIGHT(ER) When vacuum checking 4 valve per cylinder heads, its hard to tell if its both or just one valve that’s leaking. Use your vacuum tester and one of those long inexpensive BBQ or candlestick lighters. Hold the lighter close to the valves and the...