February, 2015 Archives - Engine Builder Magazine
Piston and Sleeve Finishing and Break-In Tips

When finishing diesel cylinder bores or sleeves, a two or three step process that results in a plateau finish is usually best to reduce ring break-in and seating time. The type of honing stones, feed and pressure used to finish the cylinders will vary depending on what kind of finish you want to achieve.

Cavitation Erosion in Diesel Cylinders

Cavitation erosion is often found in diesel engines on the exterior walls of wet cylinder liners. The amount of erosion and decay will vary from engine to engine and may also vary from cylinder to cylinder.

Understanding Ring Gaps

Ring gaps are often a confusing and misunderstood part of a re-ring job. There are minimum and maximum ring gap specifications which must be observed for the best performance of a new ring set. Manufacturers rigidly adhere to these tolerances and ring gaps are inspected in gauges accurate to .0001”. Here are some tips.

Tuning Forced Induction Engines

Tuning a forced induction engine on a dyno can be a daunting task. Trying to tune an engine that will make lots of boost and a ton of power can be even more challenging. These engines tend to make so much power when they come on to the boost that they often will rip right through the RPM ranges you are trying to tune. This can be very frustrating to a novice tuner. Here’s something that may help.

Important Facts to Share for Your Customer’s Next Diesel Oil Change

For your diesel power plant customers, there are a few things to consider for their next oil change to know if they’re giving the proper cleansing the engine needs. Negligent oil changes often lead to unwanted engine sludge and possibly engine failure.

The Challenges and Opportunities of Variable Valve Timing

Variable Valve Timing (VVT) has been incorporated into many late model import and domestic engines, including single overhead cam (SOHC), dual overhead cam (DOHC) and even pushrod V8s such as GM’s GEN IV 5.3L and 6.0L engines. It is a technology that offers performance, emissions and fuel economy advantages for everyday driving, but it also creates some challenges for engine builders.

FE Dyno Pulls Show Benefits of Carburetors and EFI

We intended to dyno the engine two ways: first, we wanted to break the engine in and fine-tune it with a carburetor. Then, we would convert the engine over to fuel injection and compare power differences. This would be a great opportunity for a real-world comparison.

New Engines Force New Pistons

As engines get smaller, motorists expect the same performance as a larger V6 or V8 but with the fuel economy of a four cylinder. Turbocharging makes little engines breathe big, but it also increases the load and temperature the pistons have to endure. This, in turn, requires pistons made of alloys that can withstand higher temperatures and combustion pressures. Yesterday’s castings won’t cut it for these kinds of applications.

Old Fire Trucks Need Engine Work Too

Preserving a fire truck may involve rebuilding its engine. Some older trucks need engine work because the power plants spent hours running large pumps and equipment, rather than racking up road miles. This could mean added business for creative engine builders, but it might also cause the rebuilder to ask questions. Find the answers here.

Knowledge is Power

What does a guy or gal do when the next unfamiliar job walks in the front door? Where does one go for technical information about the really old or the recently designed engine job you’ve just been presented with? Read on to find out.

Honda 3.5L Cylinder Head Removal/Install Procedures

If your installer customers complain about knocking or ticking from either cylinder head on a Honda 3.5L here are the some easy to follow steps to remove and install the cylinder heads.

Understanding the LT1’s New Direct Injection

The LT1 now features direct injection, AFM (Active Fuel Management), continuous variable valve timing, and a new combustion system that incorporates 11.5:1 compression ratio. The LT1 combustion system is the most intensely analyzed, developed and optimized system in GM history.