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Dead Lifters and Cylinders
Jul 1, 2015 | CYLINDER HEADS
Dead Lifters and Cylinders We had an interesting issue with Cadillac Northstar heads. We did a normal blast, dye check, valve job, stem height adjustment, and surface as requested. We also did our normal vacuum test before sending the heads back. We were then...
Piston Ring Squaring Tool
Jul 1, 2015 | PISTONS & RINGS
Piston Ring Squaring Tool I made a quick and accurate piston ring aligner for checking end gaps out of a .030 over, 454 Chevy flat top piston. Just chuck the piston in a lathe and turn the ring lands down to a little under 4.000 ̋. (Mine is 3.995 ̋.) The bottom of the...
Easy Oil Pump Screen Install
Jul 1, 2015 | ASSEMBLY
Easy Oil Pump Screen Install I just clamp the screen in my brass jaw vise and use a plastic dead-blow hammer to drive the pump onto the screen, being careful to keep them in alignment. This method started when I did not have a driver for an oddball engine. Now I do...
SPRING TESTER STAND
Jun 1, 2015 | CYLINDER HEADS
SPRING TESTER STAND Make your daily life easier with fixtures and setups. An ugly back prompted me to build this stand for my valve spring tester years ago. No more bending over to check valve springs. This is comfortable and efficient. Randy Torvinen Torvinen’s...
CATERPILLAR DIESEL FUEL TIPS
Jun 1, 2015 | OTHER SHOP WORK
CATERPILLAR DIESEL FUEL TIPS * It’s possible for a secondary fuel filter to suck air, but not leak fuel when running. * Hook a sight glass where you think the engine is losing prime. When the engine is not running, air goes up & siphoning goes to highest point down. *...
PLASTIC PISTON PACKER
Jun 1, 2015 | PISTONS & RINGS
PLASTIC PISTON PACKER I recycle the thick plastic trays used to store and ship 1-liter soda bottles. They work really well for keeping piston and rod assemblies in order, and protected from damage as you move them about the shop. Trays are very stable when you set...

