TIG Welding Aluminum Heads
To survive in the current economic climate, you must look for opportunities to become more profitable and still maintain control of your profits. You must always look for ways to keep more of what you do “in-house” and keep as much of the revenue you generate in the business. Whenever you can control what goes
2009 Machine Shop Market Profile – Part Two
Our story so far: • GM declares bankruptcy. • Chrysler emerges FROM bankruptcy. • Congress passes the Consumer Assist & Save Act of 2009 (Also known as H.R. 2346. Also known as “Cash for Clunkers”). • GM emerges from bankruptcy. • Ford pledges millions to help auto parts supplier Visteon emerge from ITS bankruptcy. Just
Big R Show Features Training Workshops from RIT
The Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Center for Remanufacturing, Resource Recovery will be presenting four training workshops during the Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association’s (APRA) International Big R Show in Las Vegas on October 31 – November 2, 2009. Automotive parts remanufacturing is becoming more competitive every year. Progressive remanufactures are always looking for new ways
Engine Builder Shop Solutions: June 2009
One More Head Gasket Tip In addition to the past two articles discussing head gasket failures, other head gasket failures can be caused by installation mistakes. Head bolts can stretch out. Many manufacturers recommend the head bolts be changed each time they are removed. Another common mistake is not cleaning the bolt and hole threads.
APRA BIG R Show Opens Section for Heavy Duty Engine Suppliers
The Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA) will open a section of the 2009 International BIG R Show for Heavy Duty Engine Suppliers so that engine remanufacturers in the heavy duty side of the business will be attracted to this new combined trade show. The 2009 International BIG R Show is being co-located with the ATRA
Industry Associations Oppose ‘Cash for Clunkers’ Proposals
Why We Think “Cash For Clunkers” Should Be Scrapped Let’s face it; concern over the environment is a very important thing. Who doesn’t want to keep the world clean for future generations? Until those colonies on the Moon and Mars that we’ve been promised materialize, we’ve only got this one world and we need to
Time for Chains: Stock and Performance Timing Sets
Timing chains and gears are engine parts that are usually replaced when an engine is rebuilt. Over time, gear teeth wear and chains stretch. This can cause noise, retarded valve timing (and ignition timing if the engine also has a cam-driven distributor), and a noticeable loss of performance and fuel economy. A new timing chain,
How to Select Your First TIG Welder
TIG welding is frequently used for highly cosmetic applications or those involving thinner metals that require strict heat control. This process is becoming more popular as technology improves and more welding applications, such as exotic metals, require TIG welding. Selecting the right TIG welding machine for your application is easy if you follow the right
19th AETC: New Theme Is A Winner
You can always expect to do a fair share of “bench racing” while sitting around the breakfast and lunch table at the Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC). This year did not disappoint. Held just before the PRI Trade Show on December 8-10, 2008, at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center, the 19th AETC nearly doubled its
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
Up-Selling in a Down Market
Do you ever wonder what’s next? First gas prices climb to more than $4.50 per gallon and everyone is dumping their gas-guzzlers. A couple of months later gas free-falls to $1.50 a gallon, but no one cares because people are being laid off in record numbers. Our major investment banks go bust, the credit system
Engine Builder Shop Solutions: November 2008
Ford Reverse Rotation Rear Main Seal Replacement Ford small block 302 V8 engines have long been used in marine applications in both standard and reverse rotation crankshaft configurations. Many vendors list seals for the reverse rotation two-piece seal, but some reverse rotation engines use a one-piece seal. I don’t know of any aftermarket listings for
APRA to Expand Education Program at BIG R Show
The Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA) has expanded the education program at this year’s BIG R Show, according to APRA President Bill Gager. All seminars, as well as the exposition, will be held in the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on November 1-3, 2008. Below are the seminars and workshops currently scheduled: •
Hot Topics: In-House Head Welding Repairs Increase Profitability, Productivity
Do you outsource cylinder head repairs that require welding? If so, you might be missing an opportunity to generate additional income for your shop and reduce turnaround time for customers. Here’s a look at how you can potentially increase profitability and productivity by bringing it in house. Doing these kinds of welds successfully requires
SodaBlast Systems Expands Into Russia
MMLJ, manufacturer of SodaBlast Systems, has announced its expansion into Russia. The explosion of popularity for this green cleaning system has created an international demand for SodaBlast Systems, according to the company. Benny LeCompte, vice-president of SodaBlast Systems, says: “We are excited about the future for SodaBlast systems based on a global call for greener
Cylinder Wall De-Glazing VW 2.0L Engines
For correct piston ring sealing during the engine rebuilding process, use the following information: • De-glaze cylinder walls using an 83 mm, 320 grit flexible ball-hone at 250-350 rpm. • Lubricate cylinder walls with 10W-30 engine oil or honing oil, as recommended by the de-glazing ball-hone manufacturer. • De-glaze the cylinders for approximately 20-45 seconds
Diesel Cylinder Head Rebuilding
If you have ever tried to start most diesel engines in cold weather, you know that you have to have an engine heater, or you have to have a starting aid like starting fluid. These engines most commonly did not have a computer, and the fuel pressure would be in the range of around 3,000
Manufacturer Tech Tip: How Do You Clean Your Aluminum Intake Manifold?
Edelbrock intake manifolds are manufactured from a sand cast process utilizing 808 aluminum alloy and have an as-cast wheel-a-brated finish. As-cast is defined as a raw aluminum finish without any protective coating. As-cast aluminum is porous and can absorb under-hood chemicals such as dirt, grease and fuel, resulting in discoloration, rust, or staining. All Edelbrock
Machine Maintenance: Sustaining Your Crew Includes Your Best Friend
Over the past few years, I’ve been writing about proper maintenance of the machines in your shop. This month, I plan to talk about maintaining something that’s not necessarily essential to your shop but if you have one, its value can’t be underestimated. You guessed it; this article will be about the maintenance of your
Still The Same Old Grind?
The market for crankshaft grinding has changed a great deal in recent years. With many passenger car and light truck engines now lasting upward of 200,000 miles, there’s much less demand for grinding crankshafts than there used to be. By the time the engine needs major work, the vehicle has often depreciated to the point