Higher Prices or Productivity Will Increase Pay
During my seminars with machine shop owners across the country I hear over and over again two common themes: "I
The Percentage Of DIYer Households In The United States Has Remained Constant For The Past Six Years
According to a new market research study released by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) segment of the automotive aftermarket is not shrinking; in fact, the percentage of DIYer households in the United States has remained constant for the past six years. This comes as no surprise to Ernie and Sandi Holder,
2001 Machine Shop of the Year: Hendrick
Traditionally, Missourians are thought of as skeptical, not prepared to embrace a new concept until it is a proven success. The motto "Show-Me" is imprinted on their license plates and in our national culture. Luckily for his customers, Steve Hendrick isn
Engine Crack Detection Technology
It doesn’t matter if you’re rebuilding a high mileage engine and reusing salvaged components or using brand new parts right out of the box – any highly stressed component or casting that has to withstand high loads, temperatures and/or pressures should always be inspected to make sure it is free from cracks or other defects
How Important Our Relationships Really Are: We’re Shocked And Deeply Saddened By The Terrorist Attacks
As the staff at Engine Builder magazine worked to prepare this month
The Drive For Performance Import Profits
The automotive industry has seen a great number of specialty niches since the first automobile owner decided to customize his Model T. Since that time, the search for the next great profit opportunity within the aftermarket has continued. The newest niche in the specialty aftermarket is the import performance market. Although modifying these small, powerful
Proposed Rule is Improvement But Still Not Perfect
Aftermarket parts and service providers, including rebuild-ers, are being increasingly stymied by their inability to obtain vital diagnostic and repair information about the vehicles or parts they are servicing. Whether the information is totally unavailable, provided only after much searching or inquiry or available but uneconomically priced, the effect is to deny the provider the
Engine Sludge Origins
Fresh engine oil is a clear, free-flowing liquid blend of base stock and additives that contains no fuel, water, coolant, dirt, or other contaminants. When regular engine oil changes are neglected, normally free-flowing lubricating oil breaks down, becomes contaminated, ceases to flow, and is transformed into a thick soup of waste products. That’s when
Interruptions To Your Day Compromise Earnings
By now everyone has heard about the electric and natural gas shortage we have been experiencing here on the West Coast. Our power company, Pacific Gas and Electric, sold off all its power plants, and the company has not built any new plants to keep up with the rapid growth of California, particularly in the
Rebuilding The Ford 3.8L Engine
They needed an economy engine that would fit in their new cars, and they needed it fast. They had a couple of old inline sixes and a small German V6, but none of them were designed for fuel economy or the coming emissions standards, and the 250 cid engine was so tall that it wouldn’t
The Science Of Aqueous Cleaning
The notion that aqueous cleaning consists only of a steel drum and hose is obviously a thing of the past. Aqueous cleaning entered the realm of advanced technology years ago and has been improving by leaps and bounds annually. These technological advances have prompted many rebuilders to re-evaluate their cleaning processes and perhaps take a
Vincent Mancini Sees the Future of PERA ; Right Here, Right Now
You might think that a popular rock band would have nothing to contribute to an engine remanufacturer. You might think the best way to make a profit is to slash expenses by all means necessary. Or, you might think things would be better if your customer would just see your side of the story for