Tech Notes Archives - Page 2 of 35 - Engine Builder Magazine
Round and Round – Valve Timing Events and the Order of Importance

If you’ll recall, in the January issue, we got into the nitty gritty details of what makes a camshaft the “right” camshaft. In this issue, we’ll continue the education. Cam class is back in session! Remember the camshaft makes one complete revolution (360°) while the crankshaft rotates twice (720°) for a complete engine cycle. Camshaft

Camshaft Class is Back in Session

A theory prevails in which  a cam lobe that opens to maximum lift and closes instantaneously is quintessential for maximum power and torque operation. Two problems exist with this premise. First, it’s highly impractical due to current technology. Second, this theory discounts a fundamental dilemma that air has momentum, and this must be utilized to achieve

Assembly Lubes & Break – In Oils

Perhaps the most important property of lube oil is its ability to remove heat from a surface where two or more metals are sliding across each other. In much the same way as air flows around cylinder head fins to remove heat, oil flows through a bearing and removes the heat caused by friction. I

The Fuel Injection Phenomenon – What Normally (Naturally) Aspirated Engine Builders Need to Know

On a basic level, fuel injection just looks really cool. The intake on a fuel injected power plant is the most visible part of the engine while the ram tubes, injectors and fuel lines make it look intricately sleek. With recent developments, simple mechanical fuel injection (MFI) is also useful for a level of complex

Head Porting – Going with the Flow

Flow…that magical, mystical word that is seemingly carved in stone anytime the discussion topic turns to performance cylinder heads. Whether you are a seasoned veteran in the engine wars or finalizing the specs for your first ever build, it is virtually impossible to avoid it. The flip side of that coin always carries another word

Top Tips To Maximize Fastener Performance

By Robert Florine, President, ARP Fasteners We know that fasteners hold an engine together. And that fasteners play a critical role in an engine’s reliability – especially when engines are pushed to higher performance levels. How then do we get the most out of them? At ARP, we work closely with leading race teams (Formula

PERA To Host Free Race Bearing Webinar

The Production Engine Remanufacturers Association (PERA) will host a free webinar on Wednesday, January 18 2017. The subject – “Racing Bearing Lubrication, Clearances & Geometric Tolerances” – will be presented by Ron Sledge of King Engine Bearings. “Just when you think you know all about bearings, Ron comes up with new insights into helping your engines last,” explains Joe

Honda K-Series Engine Bearing Identification, Installation

Honda uses a specific bearing selection process for both rod and main bearings. It includes using a chart along with the identified parts included in the engine being rebuilt. Connecting rod bearing selection uses 4 possible rod journal codes to match with 4 big end bore codes that are color coded based upon size. A

Timing Belt Tips on Accord 2.2L and 2.3L Engines

These tips outline the belt replacement for the popular 2.2- and 2.3-liter Accord engines. The other Honda engines are similar, but don’t require the balance belt. They shouldn’t present any challenge to the experienced tech, but there are some things to keep in mind as you tackle these jobs. The 3.0-liter V6 models use a hydraulic

General Guidelines for Adjusting Brass and Nitrophyl Floats

The two methods of adjustment are internal (dry) setting and the external (wet) setting. The internal float adjustment is accomplished with the fuel bowl off the carburetor. With “internally adjustable” needle and seats, the fuel bowl is inverted and the float tang, or tab, is adjusted to the point where the float surface is parallel

GM Belt Tensioner May Cause Supercharger Failure

Problem: Premature failure of supercharger bearings. Cause: When the belt tensioner starts to fail, belt tension increases dramatically. This tension shows up as side-loading in the supercharger rear bearing. Solution: Periodic inspection of the belt tensioner should be part of the regular maintenance routine. Before operating the replacement supercharger, the tensioner must be inspected and

Connecting Rod Installation Basics

Here is some good, basic information about how to properly install connecting rods. Step 1:     Apply the molybdenum base lubricant under the head of the bolt and on the threads. Step 2: With the bolts installed hand tight, install the gauge and zero the dial indicator. The stretch gauge must fit into the