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That’s why you have to choose the gaskets you install very carefully. Gaskets have to fit correctly and have the durability to maintain a long lasting seal. Applications that are unusually demanding often require specially engineered gaskets that can handle higher pressures and temperatures without failing. Advancements are constantly being made in gasket materials and
Do You Have What it Takes to be the Performance Engine Builder of the Year?
Performance engine builders are a dedicated bunch. All they care about is winning – and sometimes they employ “creative” methods to win races. With that in mind, Engine builders of all sizes and types are eligible – and encouraged – to enter the Performance Engine Builder of the Year contest. “We are excited to be
To Succeed in Business Reality, You
How are your business dreams looking today? I’m not hearing about many dreams. Maybe some nightmares, but few dreams. To be truthful, we need to look at the good signs. For one, business is picking up. There seems to be a positive attitude in many places. But how many more years like 2011 can you
Engine Builder Shop Solutions: May 2012
Why Engine Valves Break The following are some of the most common reasons why engine valves break. This information is courtesy of Basso S.A., a manufacturer of engine valves for original equipment and aftermarket customers. Break between valve head and stem: Cause: Repeated stress to valve stem Contributing Factors: - Weak springs -
Performance Icon Carroll Shelby Dies at 89
In the 1960s, Shelby raised the profile of American racing machines on the international sports-car circuit by packing powerful Ford V-8 engines into lightweight British roadsters, and by developing racing cars for Ford. His Shelby Cobras proved worthy competitors to the likes of Ferrari, Maserati and Jaguar and became prized collector’s items – today they
Solving Sealing Issues on 2.5L Subaru
Federal-Mogul has introduced two next-generation Fel-Pro PermaTorque MLS head gaskets that help eliminate sealing concerns on the full range of Subaru 2.5L SOHC and DOHC “boxer” engines dating back to the 1996 model year. The new MLS head gaskets combine Federal-Mogul’s aftermarket multi-layer-steel gasket technologies with a "LaserWeld" stopper layer design, developed in partnership with
Diagnosing Faulty Spark Plug Wires
Ignitionsystems have changed a great deal in recent years, with coil-on-plug(COP) ignition systems being the most common setup on many late modelengines. COP ignition systems have a single coil for each spark plugmounted on top of the plug. This setup eliminates the need for a sparkplug wire and the troubles it can cause. Most other
Updated Torque Specs for 1999-2003 GEN III Vortec Engines
A new exhaust manifold bolt and torque specification wasintroduced to the GM GEN III Vortec small block V8 engine beginningwith the 2004 model year. When servicing and GEN III Vortec small blockexhaust manifolds, the exhaust manifold bolts should be replaced. • Use GM p/n 11518860 Exhaust Manifold Bolt Apply a .2? wide bead of high
Cleaning Engine Parts: Can You? Should You?
Here’s the kicker – those shops who feel that proper cleaning is too difficult, too time consuming or too expensive are actually leaving money on table when it comes to their engine parts. “At one point in my career, cleaning seemed like it was really difficult,” says Dave Arce of Arce Enterprises, El Cajon, CA.
Choosing Valvetrain Components: Lifters, Pushrods, Springs & Rockers
The type of parts you ultimately choose will depend on the application (street performance, circle track, drag, marine, etc.) and any rules that restrict the type of camshaft, lifters or other valvetrain components that are allowed. But don’t overlook your customer’s budget. Affordability often limits your choices if a customer just doesn’t have the bucks
Engine Balancing: Old School Experience Meets New Technology
The one fact that has held true from the first engine built till today is you must have balance to hold things together and not vibrate apart. I am a Performance Engine Technology Instructor at Daytona State College, therefore I must give you a short applied physics lesson first. The force of a rotating object
Smoothing Out The Stress
We’ve all heard (and probably used) the term “harmonic balancer.” I always get a chuckle when I hear this term used so freely by educated gear heads. Because you see, there really is no such animal as a harmonic balancer on the internal combustion engine. The correct term is “harmonic damper.” The damper is often
The Nitty Gritty of Abrasive Safety
Conventional abrasives have kind of taken a back seat to PCD and CBN cutters in the automotive world in the last few years. Since most engines being rebuilt these days are made from multi-alloy components they are more easily machined with PCD or CBN. But PCD and CBN can’t do everything, so abrasives are still
AERA President John Goodman Announces Retirement
After 9years at the helm, Engine Builders Association (AERA) President John Goodmanhas announced his retirement, effective July 1, 2012. “John became president of AERA in October of2003 rejoining an industry that he had briefly left to finish his Ph.D. inEngineering Management,” explained Jim Rickoff, associate editor of EngineProfessional and AERA’s marketing consultant. “At AERA, John
The Importance of Training
You’re gonna get it…training, thatis. You’re going to get trained one wayor the other. When it comes to business,you can do it the hard way or you can do it the easy way. Personally, I am far too lazy to work very hard, so I’ve always soughtthe easiest way to do things. Goodtraining is simply
Engine Builder Shop Solutions: April 2012
Cold Air Tool Cooling For Machining We have been using cold air cooling in our shop for cast iron machining for several years. It does several things: it keeps the tool cool without the use of wet coolant, it blows away the dry chips, and it eliminates having the mess of coolant everywhere. Also, we
Cummins Launches New Smartphone App
The app’s intelligent display also provides users the ability to navigate through the engine sub-systems manufactured by Cummins simply by touching the screen. “Our Smartphone app connects with candidates everywhere, anytime” said Richard Whitney, global recruiting brand leader. “We are actively hiring new talent and the app is perfect for job seekers both looking
Caterpillar Announces New Parts Distribution Center in Mexico
Caterpillar Logistics Inc.(Cat Logistics), a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., has announced further enhancements to its parts distribution network with the addition of a new parts distribution center in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. The 500,000-square-foot facility will employ up to 150 people and is expected to be operational mid-2013. The capital city, San Luis
In Chrysler
The trouble with timing goes on and on. However when it comes to the right timing on engines, especially single and dual overhead camshaft engines, it is absolutely critical to be correct. There are very few OHC engines that are not interference, either, so you are very motivated to making certain that camshaft timing is
King Engine Bearings Technical Seminar Video Now Available
Ron Sledge, King’s performance and technical manager, presented "Race Engine Bearing Lubrication, Clearances & Tolerances" at both the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show (PRI) and International Motorsports Industry Show (IMIS) events. The hour long presentation is now available to view, free-of-charge at www.kingbearings.com/tech_materials.php. Sledge shared his knowledge of engine bearings and race engine