by Donnie Hurt | Dec 23, 2024 | CRANKSHAFTS & CONNECTING RODS
If you’re taking an engine apart and are unsure of the cubic inch or the crank stroke, here is a quick way to figure it out. Simply rotate the engine until one piston is at BDC. Take a measurement from the deck of your block down to the deck of the piston. You can use...
by Donnie Hurt | Dec 23, 2024 | CYLINDER HEADS
When valve train clearances are going to be tight, I like to double check my measurements and bench calculations by actually testing the components after they’re assembled. I put the valves and springs in this head, then used my quill on the seat & guide...
by Donnie Hurt | Dec 18, 2024 | BLOCK WORK
Instead of hammering sleeves in, I made this fixture out of a small bottle jack, threaded rod, and a steel plate. Once the plate is drilled for different blocks it makes the job super-fast, and my arm isn’t sore from swinging the hammer.
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,...
