Shop Solutions March 2016
When vacuum checking 4-valve-per-cylinder heads, it’s hard to tell if it’s both or just one valve that’s leaking. Use your vacuum tester and one of those long inexpensive BBQ or candlestick lighters. Hold the lighter close to the valves and the leaking vacuum will pull the flame in, making it easy to tell which one is leaking.
Shop Solutions January 2016
Sometimes the front of Oldsmobile blocks get warn and chewed up by the camshaft flange. This is often caused by additional load from a high pressure or high volume oil pump, which makes the distributor work harder and pulls the cam back towards the block.
Riding Into a New Engine Market
It’s no secret that there are engine-building opportunities that lie outside of the automotive industry. One such example is with motorcycle and powersports engines. This is a well-established market with numerous OEMs and styles of vehicles with many similarities to the automotive side, yet not many shops choose to explore this market. But if opportunity knocks and you answer the call, you could very well come out on top.
Elgin Industries Receives John Deere OE Supplier Award
Elgin Industries, a leading Tier One supplier of original equipment engine and chassis components, recently received the highest supplier rating through the John Deere Achieving Excellence Program. Elgin was recognized for the third consecutive year as a John Deere “Partner-Level Supplier” for its quality and customer service achievements.
Chris Anderson Appointed Executive VP of Elgin World Trade
Chris Anderson has been appointed Executive Vice President of Elgin World Trade, an operating unit of global engine and chassis parts manufacturer Elgin Industries. Anderson, who joined Elgin in 2000, will oversee the World Trade business’s product import, export and sales operations. He reports to Elgin President Bill Skok.
Elgin Industries Celebrates 95th Anniversary
Elgin Industries is a global supplier of engine, chassis and custom components for virtually any type of vehicle as well as a variety of specialty applications. The company is North America’s largest producer of engine push rods and one of the automotive service industry’s only fully integrated manufacturers of rocker arms and a wide range of valve train components.
Elgin Industries Receives 13th Consecutive JASPER Supplier Award
Elgin Industries has received its 13th consecutive supplier award from JASPER Engines & Transmissions, North America’s largest remanufacturer of gasoline and diesel powertrain and drivetrain components. Elgin, which is celebrating its 95th anniversary, has supplied to internal engine components to JASPER for more than 60 years. Elgin received the 2014 JASPER Service Award, which is
The Michigan Madman Meets The Widowmaker
There seems to be one in every neighborhood. You know – the kid who takes his experimenting a little too far. Growing up, you probably knew that kid – or may even have been that kid. Here is one of those true stories of “the kid” who’s love of machines and inventing got him into
Elgin Industries Opens Distribution Facility and Plans Additional Manufacturing Operations
Elgin Industries, one of North America’s leading manufacturers of original equipment (OE) and replacement engine and chassis components, has opened a standalone product distribution facility in Elgin, IL. The new facility will serve the growing packaging, private label and specialized shipping requirements of aftermarket distributors and other customers served by the company. The new distribution
Motor State Distributing Now Stocks Complete Line of Setrab Oil Coolers
Motor State Distributing announces the addition of the Setrab Oil Cooler product line to their quality brand selection of automotive cooling products. Setrab designs and manufactures high performance oil coolers for motor racing world-wide. Over thirty years of experience gathered at the track has translated into high quality products for such notable marques as Ferrari,
Engine Builder Shop Solutions: June 2013
Removing Stubborn Dowel Pins Do you ever have solid dowel pins that are worn or tapered, and the slap hammer slips off no matter how tight you make it? Add a dab of valve lapping compound to the dowel pin. It works wonders. Most of the time the pin slaps right out. Jeffrey Myers MAR
Elgin Industries Receives Platinum Supplier Award from GM Customer Care and Aftersales
Elgin Industries, a U.S.-based manufacturer of engine and chassis components, recently received the Platinum Supplier Status award for Outstanding On-Time Shipping Performance from General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales. Elgin’s ultra-modern, fully integrated manufacturing complex has earned a broad range of quality awards and certifications from leading customers in the automotive commercial vehicle markets. “GM’s
Elgin Industries Earns John Deere ‘Partner-level Supplier’ Recognition
The Elgin, Ill.-based company was selected for the honor in recognition of its dedication to providing products and service of outstanding quality as well as its commitment to continuous improvement. Company employees accepted the recognition during formal ceremonies held March 5, 2013. Elgin is a supplier of internal engine components to John Deere’s operations in
Smith Brothers Pushrods Completes Move to New Facility
Smith Brothers Pushrods was started in California in 1953 by Hank and Joe Smith and was later moved to Bend, Oregon in the early 90’s to enjoy the clean air, mountains and streams. In 1999 the company was purchased by Dennis and Kristen Marshall and operated out of a 4,000 sq ft building. Dennis soon
Giving Away Profits To Stay Busy Makes No Business Sense
Why am I writing about your wallet? To be perfectly honest, it’s because I want you to stay in business. If you’re not in business, Engine Builder magazine isn’t in business. If you’re not in business, Goodson Tools & Supplies isn’t in business. If you’re not in business, Dave Monyhan is not employed, and that
Elgin Industries Achieves Ford Q1 Quality Status
Elgin Industries, a leading Tier One manufacturer of original equipment engine and chassis components, has received Ford Q1 quality certification, one of the global automotive industry’s most prestigious product quality awards. In addition to Ford Q1 status, Elgin has earned dozens of quality awards and has received its certificates of registration for the ISO/TS 16949:2002
Cometic Hosts Stunt Team and NASCAR Driver at Reception
Cometic Gasket, Inc., in Concord, Ohio, recently held a reception to showcase the new expansion of their home office due to the acquisitions of Delkron and Advanced Sleeve. Cometic Gasket, Inc. has grown into a leading worldwide supplier of custom and short-run gaskets for the motorsports industry, including ATV, drag race, domestic automotive, Harley-Davidson, MX/dirt,
Must Have Tools For Engine Building Glory
While engine builders still need a fair share of box end wrenches and screwdrivers, we have assumed you didn’t make it this far without these necessities. Instead, we will focus on the specialty tools and equipment you need to get the job done and out the door to your customer. We talked to tool suppliers
The Business Case For Buying a CNC Machine
Like a good chef, a good machinist does a lot by feel and experience. These things can’t be learned in a few hours or even days – it takes years. When it comes to CNC machines, sometimes the sum equals more than its parts – but many times the parts generate more than its sum.
Today’s Niche Market Engine Opportunities
As we reported in our 2009 Machine Shop Market Profile, the total number of engines built is down, however, savvy engine builders know that finding the right niche markets can make the difference between success and failure of their business. With OEMs making engines that last well into the 200,000-mile range it’s no wonder rebuilders