Improving Dowel Puller Grip
To enhance the gripping power of a collet type dowel puller, put a dab of valve grinding compound between the collet and sleeve, and also a small amount on the dowel to be pulled.
Dave Barcott, Custom Engine & Machine
Sedro-Wooley, WA
Better Block Prep on Engines with Oil Gallery Plugs
When building an engine that has oil gallery plugs, remove them and tap the holes, and replace them with pipe plugs. Trust me, I wish I had taken the extra time to do this when my block was disassembled. After rebuilding my Ford FE, it always had low oil pressure until I pulled off the intake manifold and discovered that a gallery plug had come out. This probably happened during the first start up!
Peter J. Costa, Goodies Speed Shop
San Jose, CA
Measuring Resurfaced Head Before Installation
After resurfacing a cylinder head you must first measure all four corners of the head to ensure it is at or above the minimum height specifications and also that it is square. Failure to do this will result in the head and intake manifold being out of line and the intake gaskets not sealing properly.
Frank Diaz, G & S Auto Parts
Littleton, CO
Leak Pressure Testing Performance Oil Pans
Because an aftermarket performance oil pan has had a great deal of fabrication work done, it is advisable to check it for leaks before installing the engine in the vehicle. After installing the oil pan on the engine, shoot air into the engine through the dipstick tube. Take a spray bottle filled with soapy water and spray all welded areas. A leaking area will bubble, similar to when a tire is checked for punctures.
Jim Weston, Auto Pro Machine
Goleta, CA
Valve Seal Installation
Have you ever had a positive type valve seal cock to one side or just be difficult to install? Try putting some light oil on the O.D. of the valve guide and spin the seal to coat the guide with a film of oil. Then hit the seal down. This procedure makes valve seal installation quicker and easier.
Kevin R. Pesnell, Ace Automotive
Ruston, LA
Cam Sprocket Thrust Wear on Big Block Chevrolet
When a high volume oil pump is used on a big block Chevrolet engine, damage to the thrust face surface can occur due to wear between the camshaft sprocket and the block. This is caused by the additional drag of the high volume pump and also the taper of the camshaft lobes on this engine.This problem can be solved by using a camshaft thrust washer 0.015? thick, available in the aftermarket. Using this washer results in minimal sprocket misalignment when used without machining either the camshaft sprocket or the thrust face of the engine block. Also available is a 0.030? wear plate (Comp Cam #203) which requires minor machining when used with an OEM type timing set.
Tim Newlin, Midstate Machine
Santa Maria, CA
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