Engine Builder Shop Solutions: June 2009
One More Head Gasket Tip In addition to the past two articles discussing head gasket failures, other head gasket failures can be caused by installation mistakes. Head bolts can stretch out. Many manufacturers recommend the head bolts be changed each time they are removed. Another common mistake is not cleaning the bolt and hole threads.
Ticking, Knocking Noise Complaints: Ford 4.6L / 5.4L 3V Engines
There have been complaints that some Ford vehicles equipped with a 4.6L 3-valve or 5.4L 3-valve engine may exhibit a ticking and/or knocking noise after reaching normal operating temperature. The noise may be described as “ticks,” “taps,” “knocks” or “thumps.” in some cases the noise may be a normal characteristic of these engines. In other
1998-2002 Honda 3.2L V6 Camshaft Subgear Preloading
The1998-2002 Honda Passport (3.2L) V6 engine has a “non-interference”design. This means the valves never contact the pistons, even when thevalves or camshafts are not correctly timed, or even if a valve isfully open and its piston is at top dead center (TDC). • The ratio between the camshaft drive gear and the camshaft gears is1.33
Cummins B Series Engine Rebuilds
The Cummins B Series engine was developed by Cummins for use in a variety of industrial applications such as aircraft tugs, wood chippers, drill rigs, material handling equipment, etc. The B Series engine was developed as an American alternative to Perkins, Deutz and other industrial engines in the 70-150 HP range. Unlike those industrial engines
Toubleshooting BMW Hydraulic Bucket Tappet Problems
The two most common reasons for the replacement of BMW hydraulic bucket tappets (HVA) found in M42, M44, M50, M52, M54, M60, M62, S50, S52 and S62 engines are: tapping/rattling noise from the valve train area or a binding HVA element. Tapping/rattling noise from the valve train area may have various different causes depending on
What Are The Benefits Of Using API CJ-4 Motor Oil?
It has been about three years since API CJ-4 diesel engine oil was introduced. In the past when a new API category diesel engine oil was introduced, the previous category was typically discontinued. Today both API CJ-4 and the previous category API CI-4 PLUS diesel engine oils are available. However, there are many benefits to
Engine Builder Shop Solutions: May 2009
Top 10 Machine Shop Business Tips Engine Pro recently held a series of 8 focus-group meetings in the Midwest. Each meeting consisted of 8 to 10 machine shop owners and a moderator. Three questions were asked during the meeting. “What’s working? What’s not working? What do you need most to help you ‘make it’ for
Crankshaft Balancing
The first step in understanding crankshaft balancing is to understand the purpose of the counterweights. The counterweights are designed to offset the weight of the rod and pistons. You have the weight of the crankshaft and the pistons and rods. At any point in the assembly’s rotation, the sum of all of the forces are
The Truth About Valve Springs
Valve springs are one of the most critical and most overlooked components in your engine.Proper selection of the valve spring begins with identifying theapplication and selecting all of the valve train components to achievethe engine builders’ goals. Thespring is selected to complement the system and must be matched withthe entire valve train in order for
Chrysler “A” Block Lifter Bank Angles
The latest version of Chrysler’s “A” engine block features a differentlifter bore angle. This block is commonly called the “R” block. Theangle of the lifter bore is changed to help straighten out thepushrod angle. The standard lifter angle on the “A” engine is 57degrees from vertical. This points the lifter away from the center ofthe
Engine Builder Shop Solutions: April 2009
Top 10 Machine Shop Business Tips Engine Pro recently held a series of 8 focus-group meetings in the Midwest. Each meeting consisted of 8 to 10 machine shop owners and a moderator. Three questions were asked during the meeting. “What’s working? What’s not working? What do you need most to help you ‘make it’ for
Identifying Distributors on Ford 351 Engines
Engine Differences: Themost obvious external difference is the engine valve covers. The 351W(Windsor) valve covers are attached with 6 bolts, straight front torear, and narrow in width (similar to the 302 c.i. engine.)* The 351C (Cleveland) valve covers are attached with 8 bolts, flat with 2 different planes, and wider in width. The 351W engine