Engine Builder Shop Solutions: March 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
Servicing 1995 GM Quad IV Balance Shafts
The balance shaft procedure has been revised. Figure 4 has been added and the tightening specification in Figure 5 has been revised. Balance Shaft Assembly Tools Required: • J 41 088 Balance Shaft Holder • J 36660 Torque Angle Meter 1. Balance shaft assembly to block. Use Loctite® 242 on the housing assembly to block
Engine Builder Shop Solutions: December 2008
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
EngINtel: In Lightweight Land Rockets Or Huge Ships, Bedplates Have Presence In Today
Today’s engines are smaller, lighter, more fuel efficient and have the highest output per displacement than at any other time in the history of the automotive industry. With these advantages have come designs that must be able to withstand loads and pressures that go way beyond the large displacement OHV, oil leaking, fuel guzzling street
Tech Tips for 2004 and Up Ford F-150 Engines
Abold new look and some subtle changes probably best describe the2004-and-up Ford F-150. To the installer/engine builder, it is the subtle changesthat he or she needs to be aware of. Spark Plugs Watchout when changing the spark plugs on the 5.4L three-valve engine foundin 2004-and-up F-150 and 2005-and-up Expedition and Navigator (see Photo 1). Firstof
Engine Builder Shop Solutions: October 2008
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
EngINtel: Practical Builder Tips To Common Questions
Since you all indulged me last month with editorial musings, thismonth will be a couple of Practical Builder Tips (PBTs) that shouldkeep you out of hot water from time to time. They’re somewhat genericbut have been popping their ugly heads in all types of engines and theyhave no manufacturer preference so no one is immune.
Shop Solutions: August 2008
Top 10 Machine Shop Business Tips We recently held a series of 8 focus meetings in the Midwest. Each meeting consisted of 8 to 10 machine shop owners and a moderator. Three questions were asked during the meeting: 1) What’s working? 2) What’s not working? and 3) What do you need most to help you
Avoid Over-Filling Oil in Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Engines
Incorrectoil levels are being found in many 2002-2003 Ford, Lincoln and Mercuryvehicles. In most cases, the level is being misinterpreted because theoil level on the dipstick is not touching the top hash mark at theupper limit (or MAX mark), or it is partway down the crosshatch area. Fordis in the process of standardizing the marking
Shop Solutions: July 2008
Timing Chain Tensioner Installation Caution: 1996-’06 GM 2.4L This tensioner consists of a housing and a piston. The piston has a secondary piston or plunger contained in it and must be in the compressed position for installation. When compressed, the plunger extends approximately .070? (or 1.7mm) beyond the piston cylinder. If this is not the
1994-2005 GM Northstar 4.6L Engine Head Bolt Thread Repairs
When disassembling the GM Northstar 4.6L engine, all head bolt threads should be thoroughly inspected as they are removed. If there is any section of the aluminum block thread left on the bolt, that bolt hole will need to be repaired using a Time Sert or equivalent repair procedure. Typically, not all the cylinder head