Future of Engine Building: Industry Forecast
The more things change, the more they stay the same As we entered into the new millennium, the industry had an optimistic, yet cautious outlook as to what the future held for the production engine remanufacturers and custom engine rebuilders. When we asked various industry insiders this month to look into their crystal spheres, past
Diagnosing Engine Noise Under The Hood Of A Ford F-150
This article is about diagnosing a mysterious engine noise in a 1989 Ford F-150 pickup equipped with the venerable 5.0L or 302 cubic-inch V8 engine following a rebuild. Most of us working in the automotive service trades are very familiar with Murphy’s Law and how it affects our shop’s cost of doing business. Murphy’s Law
Driven Racing Oil Offers Recommendation Regarding GM LS Hydraulic Roller Cam Bulletin
Due to the use of hydraulic lifters in these engines, it is critical that the oil be changed after break-in to remove the metal particulate created during the process. If these small particles are allowed to stay in the oil system for thousands of miles, serious damage will occur. As the marketplace stretches the power
MSD Performance Initiates Voluntary Chapter 11 Process to Complete an Orderly Sale
Through the Chapter 11 filing, MSDP seeks to preserve continuity, to the greatest extent possible, for its customers, employees and business partners while it continues discussions with potential buyers to secure the highest and best outcome for its businesses MSD Performance, Inc. today announced that to address liquidity needs and facilitate a restructuring, the company
ContiTech Says Timing Belts Drive Modern European Engine Designs
Timing belts on the advance: European automakers are increasingly turning to timing belts again instead of chains to drive timing gear. Timing belts on the advance: European automakers are increasingly turning to timing belts again instead of chains to drive timing gear. “In terms of improving fuel efficiency and cutting CO2 emissions from internal combustion
Oil Consumption Problems for Late Model Performance Vehicles
When base oils featuring both low viscosity and high volatility are used to make low viscosity motor oils, the higher volatility results in higher oil consumption. A recent Consumer Reports article highlighted the increasing trend of new vehicles that “use” a fair amount of oil, as much as one quart for every 1,200 miles. This problem is
19 Automotive Technician Trainees Graduate from Mercedes-Benz U.S. International
The training program is modeled after Germany’s apprentice system and will be recognized as such by the German American Chambers of Commerce (AHK USA). Vance, AL — Nineteen trainees of the Automotive Technician Program at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI), in Vance, AL recently graduated from the prestigious program. The training program is modeled after Germany’s apprentice system
Obama Administration Delays Employer Mandate Until 2015
From AAIA Capital Report In announcing the delay in the implementation of the regulation, Mark Mazur, assistant secretary for tax policy at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and Valerie Jarrett, senior adviser to President Barack Obama, both posted blogs that emphasized the ongoing “dialogue with businesses” and stated that, “We have heard concerns about the complexity
What You Need To Know About SBC Port Volumes
A 4-cycle engine is far from being a simple air pump. The principle reason turning apparent simplicity into real world complexity is the dynamic ‘stop – start’ nature of the flow through the engine and the fact that air is very much heavier than is often supposed. Rapidly changing rates of pressure and suction bring
Racing Oils
The latest API-certified SN and ILSAC GF-5 motor oils are fine for everyday driving in late model vehicles, but most off-the-shelf motor oils (even many synthetics) come up short in the anti-wear department in a racing application – especially if the engine is running a flat-tappet cam or a radical roller cam with a lot
Cleaning Engine Blocks & Engine Cylinder Heads
Cleaning engine blocks and cylinder heads is just as important as the machining operations you will perform on the castings. You can’t do a thorough job of inspecting these parts if they are dirty, greasy or covered with paint or corrosion. Checking for cracks in cast iron heads and blocks requires a clean surface for
Supreme Court Decides Not To Consider Industry Group’s Challenge Regarding EPA’s E15 Waivers
The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers says the Supreme Court’s decision leaves consumers at risk. The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) expressed disappointment after learning that the Supreme Court has decided not to consider the association’s challenge of EPA’s E15 waivers. “The Supreme Court’s decision denies the petitioners their day in court and will have negative
Historic Vehicles Drive Anti-Ethanol Message to Congress
Joined by Congressional leaders and industry experts, members of the SEMA Action Network (SAN) participated in the “Fuel for Thought” Rally on Capitol Hill. The event raised awareness of the corrosive effects of ethanol-blended gasoline on automobile engines and the dangers of consumer misfueling. Hosted by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in partnership with the
Oiling System Technology
Oil is the lifeblood of every engine. Any significant loss of oil pressure can destroy an engine in a split second so the oiling system must provide a constant supply of oil under all operating conditions. With performance engines, keeping the engine lubed with a steady supply of oil can be a challenge because
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
Racing Oils
Performance engines built for racing deserve the best possible lubrication. Ordinary street oils don’t cut it on a race track. By Larry Carley The latest API-certified SN and ILSAC GF-5 motor oils are fine for everyday driving in late model vehicles, but most off-the-shelf motor oils (even many synthetics) come up short in the anti-wear
Hastings Manufacturing Company Acquired by RFE Investment Partners
Hastings Manufacturing Company, a nearly 100-year-old global manufacturer of piston rings, has announced its acquisition by RFE Investment Partners, together with management. The firm currently manages more than $450 million in committed capital. “We are very excited to partner with RFE Investment Partners and continue to grow the business,” commented Bob Kollar, president and
Engine Builder Shop Solutions: May 2013
Using Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) Head Gaskets As the name implies, MLS gaskets are constructed from 2 to 5 layers (depending upon the application) of heat treated stainless steel. Each layer is separated by a thin layer of a nitrile rubber coating. They have also been embossed in key areas to aid the sealing process, and to
Assembly Oils, Greases and Lubes
In the October 2012 issue of Engine Builder, I wrote about engine assembly lubes and why you should consider using them. When I was asked to write another article to help engine builders better understand and select engine assembly lubes for their operation, at first I didn’t understand the assignment. I thought I had
A New ‘Finish’ in Honing
For years, engine builders have been honing cylinders with a coarse stone followed by a finishing stone. Then ring materials changed, requiring an additional very fine finishing stone to follow. Now current technology demands an added step to create an even cleaner, burr-free finish. However, even with these conventional honing techniques, peaks of folded and