Avoiding Hydraulic Timing Chain Tensioner Trouble
Be certain to carefully follow the manufacturer’s recommended torque settings when installing hydraulic (oil pressure fed) timing chain tensioners. Over tightening the tensioner can result in distortion of the tensioner piston bore, which in turn can cause the piston to bind up in the bore instead of doing its job putting tension on the timing chain. Result? Failure of the timing system.
Ron McKey
The Per-Fit Corporation
Grand Rapids, MI
Benefits of Digital Versus Analog Gauging
Like phones and computers, today’s digital gauging offers greatly improved performance, better displays, less power consumption and more data user capabilities. Modern digital indicators are not only smaller, more portable, and better able to withstand the rigors of a shop environment, but also less expensive.
Today’s digital indicators incorporate a range of dynamic measurement capabilities that used to be available only in higher end devices. These include Minimum (Min.), Maximum (Max.) and Total Indicator Reading (TIR) functions. The indicator “remembers” the highest and lowest points measured on a part and displays either or both of them, or it can subtract the Min. from the Max. to calculate the TIR.
These measurements are useful when gauging round parts in a V-block fixture, for example, or measuring the height of a flat surface. The operator can quickly turn a shaft through a complete revolution, or move a flat part around under the gauge head without pausing to read the display. When manipulation of the workpiece is complete, the operator may select to display the Max. or Min. I.D., O.D., height, depth or runout.
Other advanced functions can speed gauging setups. The “auto-zero” function, for example, is the electronic equivalent of the rotating bezel on mechanical dial indicators. The operator brings the gage head into rough contact with the master and simply zeroes the gauge. This eliminates the need for ultra-careful positioning of the gauge head.
Data from each digital device can be sent to a computer. There, the data can be easily combined in many ways to create graphs, charts and trends. Digital indicators may not be the end-all replacement to analog gauging, but with the capabilities currently available, they are certainly worth a look.
Jim Kovach
Kovach & Associates
Performance Engine Building
Parma, OH
Installing Seals in Jesel Belt Systems
Have you ever ruined a new cam or crank seal for a Jesel belt drive system? Want to know a great way to put them in? If you have a Sunnen style piston press and a round flat block of aluminum it can be very easy.
Take the cover or retainer plate and place it on the Sunnen press. Make sure it is flat and supported evenly. Put the seal into place. Put your block of aluminum on the seal, and press away.
Good eye-hand coordination is required. How do you think Jesel does it?
Jeff “Beezer” Beseth
BeezerBuilt, Inc.
Newton Square, PA
How to Maximize Your Machine Tool Coolant
When changing the coolant in your valve grinder or honing machine, don’t just send the used honing oil to the recycler. Recycle it yourself! Pump it all into gallon buckets and let it sit. When you are ready to top off or change the coolant, all the sediment will have settled and you can safely pour off the “like new” coolant from the top of the bucket.
Jeffrey Myers
MAR Automotive, Inc.
Philadelphia, PA
Removing Lifters From Ford 4.0L Engine
When the center of the lifter pulls out, the easiest way I’ve found to remove the lower outerbody of the lifter is to remove the springs and valves. Then slide a wide, flat headed screwdriver under the lifter and twist the screwdriver to raise the lifter high enough to grab with visegrips.
Arus Kinney
Austin Jordan Engines
Wyoming, MI
Manufacturer Shop Solution: An Engine Builder’s Eight Deadly Sins
We wouldn’t call engine builders a bunch of sinners but here are some things that may lead to comebacks:
1. Lack of engine cleanliness
2. Rough or imperfect bore entrance chamfers
3. Burr on bottom of bore
4. Poor cylinder bore finish
5. Spiraling rings manually onto piston
6. Excessively opening ring manually onto piston
7. Not using or improperly using ring compressor
8. Using damaged piston (dents, groove damage, etc.)
Technical Department
Hastings Manufacturing Co.
Hastings, MI
Engine Builder Shop Solutions is sponsored by Engine Pro,
a group of 9 engine parts specialist WDs operating 30 branch
locations serving engine builders/rebuilders across the U.S. Shop
Solutions published in each issue of Engine Builder Magazine are a free one year membership to the Engine Rebuilders Council and a prepaid $100 Visa gift card. Winners will be chosen by
the staff of Engine Builder Magazine and the Engine Pro Technical
Committee.
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Solutions may also be emailed to [email protected].
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