Dealing With Bad Employees
One of the fastest ways to lose control of your business is to let a bad employee take control of your shop and ruin the overall moral.
Pay attention to your people and understand that when things change in their lives it can affect the attitude they have at work. If an employee is having trouble in their lives away from or at work it’s time for you to try and understand what is bothering them. Above all, don’t be afraid to lose an employee if he or she is causing havoc. It’s better to run short handed than to run your business with an employee that’s not on your side for whatever reason.
It is also imperative that you learn and understand your local employment labor laws pertaining to your business. A disgruntled employee can ruin a smooth running business in a short period of time if let go to run its course. When you know the local labor laws you can better protect yourself.
There is a shortage of good technicians all across the country today. In many cases, quality techs may not even be available in some areas. As a shop owner, you know how valuable your employees are to the business. A good idea is to go to the local automotive colleges in your area and recruit the students in the top 5 percent of their class. You may even have to find young people that show interest in the industry locally and send them to school and train them yourself. That way you mold the employee the way you need them!
Bill Crum
Engine Pro Technical Committee
That Crank Rings A Bell
There is an easy and quick way to tell if a crankshaft is made of steel or cast. Using a small ball-peen hammer strike the crank lightly (as if you were striking a triangle instrument) on a counterweight section of the crankshaft. If there is a dull ring, the crankshaft is cast iron. If there is a long sharp ring, the crankshaft is steel.
Gary Askins
NAPA of Saratoga
Saratoga Springs, NY
How Long Has It Been, Really?
Ok, just how long has it been since you’ve been in a classroom or attended a seminar to learn about new technology and procedures in the industry?
Technology has changed rapidly in the past few years, so if you haven’t been keeping up you’re falling behind. Research schools and seminars in your area to keep up in the industry. If you have any questions about where to find training, a good source to contact is your parts suppliers. They often have information on classes in your area.
An educated man is a successful man!
Bill Crum
Engine Pro Technical Committee
GM Duramax Diesel Piston Strength
The GM Duramax diesel has been around since 2001. Many have logged over 400,000 miles and are starting to be seen in machine shops for rebuild. They are also used quite successfully in truck pulling competition. It should be noted that the original pistons from 2001 to 2005 are quite strong from the OE. But from 2006 on, the piston pin bore is bushed and this has weakened the factory part.
Both engines can suffer from broken cam locating dowel pins, which tends to happen when someone uses ether to aid startup. If the motor kicks back, the dowel pin will break. Some high performance builders have been milling a slot into the camshaft and replacing the pin with a stronger woodruff key. This should prevent any further breakage.
Dave Sutton
Sterling Engine Parts
Minneapolis, MN
Variable Valve Timing Service
A number of today’s modern engines use a system called Variable Valve Timing, (VVT). Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen are just to name a few. These companies use similar systems that incorporate engine rpm and oil pressure to change valve timing.
High mileage engines should have the timing gear and or oil pressure solenoid valve cleaned periodically to keep the system functioning properly. Special tools are needed to disassemble the cam gear. If you are rebuilding one of these engines make sure you disassemble and clean these pieces before reassembly.
If the engine failed because of bearing failure and there is a lot of metal throughout the engine you need to make sure you clean these pieces before reassembly or the trapped particles could damage your new engine!
Roger Borer
Sales Manager
Engine & Performance Warehouse
Hex Drive for Small Spaces
In order to be able to use a tap in tight spaces with a socket or wrench, I drive a hex nut on top of the tap. This works great in tight spaces.
Raymond Hogg
American Muffler
Engine Builder Shop Solutions is sponsored by Engine Pro,
a consortium of 14 engine parts specialist WDs operating 33 branch
locations serving engine builders/rebuilders across the U.S. Shop
Solutions published in each issue of Engine Builder Magazine are
awarded a $100 Visa Gift Card. Winners will be chosen by
the staff of Engine Builder Magazine and the Engine Pro Technical
Committee.
To submit a Shop Solution simply mail your entry
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Solutions may also be emailed to [email protected].You must include
your name, shop name, shop address and shop telephone number. Submitted
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