by Donnie Hurt | May 6, 2025 | OTHER SHOP WORK
I once worked for Roy Johnson’s Automotive Machine Shop. This is where I was introduced to the use of common cooking lard as a lubricant when drilling on steel. Yes that’s right, now you’re cooking with “Bacon” in the shop. The use of the lard...
by Donnie Hurt | May 6, 2025 | CYLINDER HEADS
When grinding wire for fitting O-rings I use an air angle grinder and put a piece of shim stock between the head and wire to prevent bumping the grinding disc on the freshly machined head. Arus Kinney AK’s Engine and Machining Covington, GA...
by Donnie Hurt | May 6, 2025 | CAMSHAFTS & VALVE TRAIN
I have a cam gear with a chain for checking clearance on the top oil galley area on SB Chevy blocks, which is often an issue. This was a previous Shop Solution. I also use it to check or set-up cam button to timing cover clearance for my engine builders or home...
by Donnie Hurt | Apr 1, 2025 | BLOCK WORK
Sometimes when chasing the head bolt holes on Chevy blocks, you’ll hit a casting knob. Then you think, will the bolt thread in far enough. I use a 7/16 valve guide and some washers to mimic the cylinder head thickness. This saves time by not having to measure...
by Donnie Hurt | Mar 4, 2025 | GASKETS & SEALING
When deciding how much to mill an intake manifold for “fit”, I use cardboard shims. Most gaskets are .060 compressed, and if the intake fits great with, say, a .020 shim, then a .040 removal is needed. At that point, I also check the ends for fit. Machine once, wash...
