by Donnie Hurt | Dec 18, 2024 | TOOLING
Since we’re always looking for new and better ways to machine, we often have to make tool holders and other items. Locating the raw material or turning down stock is always part of the process. I’ve found that valve stems often have the same size as much of the...
by Donnie Hurt | Dec 18, 2024 | CYLINDER HEADS
Sometimes assembling heads with beehive springs and retainers can be difficult because of their size. I find it easier to use a spring shim that fits the retainer and large enough to fit the spring compressor jaws. Randy Torvinen Torvinen’s Machine Menahga,...
by Donnie Hurt | Dec 18, 2024 | CRANKSHAFTS & CONNECTING RODS
Every once in a while, you’ll have a hub that wants to stick firmly on a crankshaft grinder spindle. Instead of beating on it with a hammer, when you have precision bearings involved, we keep a piece of scrap steel with two holes that correspond with two of the...
by Donnie Hurt | Nov 5, 2024 | DISASSEMBLY & CLEANING
Honda intake gaskets are extremely difficult to remove. I don’t know what these things are made out of, but they can become permanently bonded to the intake surface of the heads. Instead of spending hours trying to scrape these things off and ending up leaving...
by Donnie Hurt | Nov 5, 2024 | OTHER SHOP WORK
When chucking a long workpiece in your lathe, such as bar stock used to make custom valve guides, it’s imperative to support the far end inside the spindle. Commercial spindle liners are available but can be costly or you may not have the exact size needed on hand....
