Understanding the Evolution of Cylinder Head Seat and Guide Machines
Do you remember the many generations of three-angle seat cutters and what we used to get by with? Grinding seats is still needed, but just 10 years ago we were grinding 80 percent of the seats. Though we still grind when necessary, today we cut 90 percent of the seats in the heads.
Building Trophy-Winning, Comp-Grade Engines
While the victor of multiple racing events usually gets all the attention, what about that unsung hero under the hood? A driver is nothing without a dependable engine that can go the distance. Here you’ll find how an engine builder can empower a talented driver, and some specific tips on tailoring an engine setup to a wide range of applications.
Green Strategies: Recycled Engine Parts Save Profits
The list of reclaimed bare engine blocks on the Kenmonth Engine Company website (www.danamotorssac.com) is enough to warm the heart of any vintage vehicle collector. There’s an AMC 401-cid big-block for $800, five 1959 thru 1966 Buick “Nailheads” for $450 each, a 390 for a tail-finned ‘59 Caddy for $450, a 216-cid Chevy “Stovebolt 6”
Audi/Volkswagen 1.8L DOHC Gasoline Engine Valve Failure Caution
Reviews of these problems, which are leading to breakage of the valves, and in some cases catastrophic failures, are related to problems not with the valves themselves but the method of cylinder head overhaul and re?claimed mating components. Many of the breakages examined are occurring very shortly after a rebuild and appear to mainly be
Valve Seat & Guide Machines
A valve seat and guide machine is an essential piece of equipment for any shop that does cylinder head work. So whether you are thinking about upgrading your existing equipment, buying a brand new machine or finding a good used machine, there are a number of important factors to consider as you make your decision.
Keeping Valve Jobs Profitable
Okay, so head work accounts for a large percentage of your business. But is it as profitable as it should be or could be? Do you have a good handle on cylinder head related costs (parts, labor and cleaning)? Are the employees who are doing the head work competent and productive? Is your valve guide
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.
The Lifter/Cam Relationship
They are lifters, and they are critical to proper engine operation. “On the outside they look the same, but the inside is where the big difference is,” says Scott Reynolds of Scorpion Performance. “The mechanical or solid lifter is just what it sounds like: solid with no internal movement. These lifters are designed to be
CAT 3208 Cylinder Block Identification
The turbo block has two vents for the lifter chambers of the block that the non-turbo does not have. Figure 1shows the rear lower extremity of the “V” of both blocks. The non-turboblock is plain and just follows suit with the rest of the casting. Thecounter bored and threaded hole (red circle) is where the
Valve and Guide Material, Selection Update
Today’s engines are being designed with more valves per cylinder with smaller valves to reduce valve train weight and increase intake volume. Cylinder heads typically require valve guide and seat work to restore compression and oil control if you are rebuilding the heads. For the valve to seat properly and to gain the most power
Rebuilding the CAT 3208 Diesel
Since information from Caterpillar is always held very tight within the family it was very hard to get an accurate history of how the relationship all came about, so if I’m a bit off in my timeline, forgive me. I assure you, it won’t affect the content of this article. The bottom line is, Ford
AAEQ Appoints Mark Moore as National Sales Director of EngineQuest (EQ)
AAEQ, parent company to EngineQuest (EQ), announces the appointment of Mark Moore as national sales director for the company’s highly specialized engine parts division. Moore brings to this senior level position over a decade of experience in the automotive industry and 27 years of management and sales experience. Prior to Moore’s work with EQ, he
EngineQuest Unveils New Web Site
EngineQuest (EQ), the engine parts division of AAEQ Manufacturers and Recyclers, recently introduced its new Web site at www.enginequest.com. The Web site features out-of-production or hard-to-find automotive engine parts for import and domestic vehicles that include gas or diesel applications. “Much of the EQ product line was developed in response to specific requests for help,”
EQ Renews Sponsorship of IMCA Racing and IMCA Wild West Modified Tour
EngineQuest(EQ), a manufacturer of stock replacement and performance cylinderheads as well as a wide variety of new, remanufactured and reclaimedengine parts, has announced that it has renewed its sponsorshipagreement with the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) for2008. In addition to its general sponsorship of IMCA racing, EQ willremain the title sponsor of the IMCA Wild
The Ups And Downs Of Valves
It’s always good to take a fresh look at some of the many engine components we work with. Rather than being lulled into complacency, the idea is to see what’s new, what trends are in play and to get a current reading from others on the inside. In other words, it’s good to keep it
Pushrods & Lifters
Pushrod engines have been dubbed as antiquated technology by some, but for many engine builders these engines are far from suffering the fate of the horse and buggy. In fact, with both GM and Chrysler keeping the pushrod engine alive in their current product lineups with the Gen IV, Hemi and others, pushrods and lifters
Coretalk: Female Engine Builders, Hear Them Roar
Clevite Engine Parts has sponsored the Clevite Engine Builder Challenge Series since 1990 and has hosted the event at industry trade shows, conferences, race tracks and open house events for customers – but this was the first build to feature women only. Sandi Holder, of Holder Automotive Machine, and Becky Tardif, of Accurate Cylinderhead Service,
Valves, Retainers & Springs
New materials, improved designs and lower prices (at least for some valves). That pretty much sums up what’s going on with valves, retainers and springs today. These are extremely important parts in every engine because of their impact on engine performance, durability and cost. Satisfying demand is the key. Rick Simko of Elgin Industries, Elgin,
Dodge City’s Finest; Harry’s Machine Works
No history of the American West would be complete without extensive recollections of Dodge City, KS. Formed as a convenient railroad stop to serve the new Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railroad, Dodge City offered something for everyone. That is, if your tastes ran to buffalo hunting, gambling or gunfighting. In its early days, Dodge
1999 Machine Shop Of The Year Award Winner: Metric Automotive Engineering Ltd
Each year, the staff at Automotive Rebuilder magazine recognizes one machine shop that displays business practices that go above and beyond the norm. This year, along with input from the Engine Rebuilders Association (AERA), we have selected Metric Automotive Engineering (Pty) Ltd., from Germiston South, Republic of South Africa. Metric was chosen from numerous entries