Program Manager - PROformance Powertrain Products
~
Deciphering The Differences In The Chevy 2.2L Engine

Since its birth in 1990, when the old Chevy 2.0L engine was upgradedwith a stroke increased from 3.15? to 3.46?, the 2.2L powerplant hasbeen upgraded several times: the block has been revised four times andthe head has been changed three times (it was discontinued after 2003, replaced by the 2.2 L Ecotec). Let’s start in

Ford 3.8L, 3.9L and 4.2L Balance Shaft Information

To deal with the harmonics, engine designers often incorporate twobalance shafts rotating in opposite directions at twice engine speed.Equal size eccentric weights on these shafts are sized and phased sothat the inertial reaction to their counter-rotation cancels out in thehorizontal plane, but adds in the vertical plane. This gives a netforce equal to, but 180

Sometimes You Get The Unexpected

I’m speaking of cam bearings, particularly those in OHV engineapplications. What brought this to my attention was what I would call a“textbook” case of cam bearing oil bleed-out that caused the rodbearings to fail. Don’t follow me? I’m not surprised. I’m certain manyof you may be scratching your heads wondering what I mean by that.

Bedplates Have Presence In Today

One of the technologies that has been implemented for many of theengines today is the configuration of the block. Many of today’sengines are using “bedplates” (see Figure 1).The block is split at the main bearings or the crankshaft centerline sothere are two distinct pieces to the block; an upper part that housesthe cylinders and the

Rebuilding The 6.6L Duramax Diesel

It was really no surprise, since GM had single-handedly alienated the American buying public against the diesel engine beginning back in the late ’70s and early ’80s with the 5.7L V8 and 4.3L V6 diesel engines that were, let’s just say, “less than stellar.” While there’s no point now in rehashing mistakes of the past,

Saying Goodbye to Jeep TJ: Cylinder Block Casting Information

I have a La-Z-Boy recliner that I probably should have retired ten years ago. Yet even today, it’s one of the most comfortable chairs that I have ever sat in. Because I hate the thought of giving it up, my next move will be to put it in the garage, where I always have TV,

Sometimes Engineering Changes Actually Make Sense

As much fun as it is to play detective, research obscure facts andunravel engineering messes myself, sometimes I totally enjoy runningacross things that just plain make sense. Often, many of these things are after-the-fact thoughts, but that iswhy hindsight is always 20/20. For those in the engineering world,these would be running changes, technical improvements and

Clearing The Confusion Concerning GM Gen III Crankshafts

Both Doug Anderson and I have written a number of articles and columns about these engines, but for some reason I continue to hear about the difficulties. So it’s time to go back to the basics, start from the beginning and review the old and add some new things that have come along. The first

Hydraulic Lifter Summer School Session

Based upon some ofthe questions that I have been getting lately – particularly in theareas of valve train lifter noise and bearing clearances – I thought itwas time to go back to engine school. Let’s take a quick run through Hydraulic Lifter 101 and at the end I’llleave you with a valuable PBT (Practical Builder

Stalking The Toyota Family

In some circles, these words might be considered an engine equivalentto the supermarket tabloids, and my "inquiring mind" would not let itgo. I know that this is not as titillating as Britney Spears shavingher head but I still think that there is a real benefit to being ableto decipher the Toyota engine designators. There is

Isuzu Crank Identification Knowledge Pays Off In Real World Situation

Back in January of 2007 I did an article about the differences ofthe 1992-2004 3.2L Isuzu components and in particular the differentcrankshafts.I also remarked that the 3.5L crankshaft is identical in appearance anddimensions and that only the stroke is what made it different. One part of that article worth discussing again is the method ofidentifying

Not Those Jeeps Again! The Facts About 4.0L Cylinder Heads

Back in the April 2003 issue of Engine Builder information was provided about the proliferation that occurred on the engine blocksof 4.0L Jeeps starting in 1996 and continuing though the present.Sound familiar? Well, you may remember the reference made to Popeye andhis "Jeep" friends. The 4.0L came on the scene in 1987 and is still