MAGNETIC SEAL
When installing valve stem seals on OHC cylinder heads, I use a small pencil magnet on the top side of many valve seals to locate them over the valve stem. There is enough magnetic material on the seal from the tension band that the magnet holds the seal firmly for an easy installation.
Kody Redman, Redman’s Performance, Oakhurst, CA
TEST FIT CAMS
I have a good dozen cams to test fit the cam bearings after installing when I don’t have the customers cam. I polish the journals and tape up the lobes to keep from marking up the bearings. This makes for a better looking, finished job. I also check every new cam for straightness.
Randy Torvinen, Torvinen’s Machine, Menahga, MN
NUMBER YOUR LIFTERS
When installing flat tappet lifters, we number the lifters to their corresponding cylinders. This can be useful in the event that the engine is ever disassembled. This helps to keep the lifters from getting out of order and to ensure they are put back on the correct lobe to help prevent the camshaft lobes from going flat.
Adam Cofer, Salina Engine, Salina, KS
PISTON FIXTURE
A simple way to chuck pistons into the lathe is to make a draw rod assembly that goes through the head stock of the lathe. I made a bushing to locate it and give the draw nut a place to seat. Sometimes you may have to make a ring adapter for the pistons. You might just have to get inventive if they do not sit on the chuck jaws level. It might not work for all pistons, but it is a nice option if you don’t want to set up a vice on the mill.
Ron Flood, Cedar Machine, North Branch, MN
SMALL PARTS ORGANIZERS
The small boxes that Engine Pro packages some of their parts in work great for organizing all the hardware and small parts for an engine build. We save all these boxes and keep them on our assembly carts for organizing cleaned parts.
Nick Jones, Automotive Machine, Fraser, MI
BORING TABLE
When boring a single cylinder, I cut a hole in a table and mark holes to match the cylinder plate and drill out these holes. Now simply bolt the cylinder to the plate, then mount it on the table. You won’t have to worry about stopping the boring bar before it hits the table and makes the set up quick and easy.
Darrel Witzel, Porterville Machine, Porterville, CA
