I replaced a ’97 Ford 302 with a 351 Windsor, but the thrust bearing failed after only 200 miles. What gives?
A. We have all seen the thrust bearing failures in the Ford 302/5.0L engine applications. Many if not most of them have occurred due to the insufficient depth of the pilot hole for the torque converter in the rear of the crankshaft when used in conjunction with an overdrive transmission, and in particular with the
PERA’s Core Corner
In this month’s “Core Corner” I am addressing a potpourri of different issues – some old, some new, but all of them offer something that will keep you out of the “Do Over” column and, of course, profitable. I got the idea from my wife some weeks ago while accompanying her (being dragged) to a
I’m curious: what are the special markings on 1994-’02 Chrysler 8.0L engines for anyway?
The AERA Technical Committee warns that engine damage may result if some of the special markings found on 1994-2002 Chrysler 8.0L VIN E & W, V10 engines are not taken into consideration. Information identifying undersize crankshaft journals, oversize cylinder bores, oversize valve lifters and oversize valve stems is stamped on the engine in various locations.
Sprint Car Motors
While the World of Outlaws, the All Stars, and USAC are the most well known of the sprint car racing organizations in this country, there are nearly fifty organizations that sanction sprint car racing. In addition, that doesn’t take into account the racetracks throughout the country that have their own division of sprint cars. Although
Putting the ‘Power’ in Powersports
Performing rebuilds and other machine services on ATVs, personal watercraft (PWC) and snowmobile engines may provide your shop with a little added boost during a down period without having to retool your entire shop. However, to make the most of the opportunity, you should know what type of market you can serve best – ATV,
Preacher, Teacher, Fighter, Friend
Warning: The Surgeon General has determined that reading this article may be hazardous to a negative attitude, and acting on the recommendations contained herein may result in increased job satisfaction and a more productive business atmosphere. If enthusiasm for his job were a virus, Dave Deegan would have one of the most serious infections the
TIG Welding Opportunities: Working Magic In Cylinder Head Emergencies
Is there a machine in your shop that can be said to work magic? Not only can it fill cracks and repair broken castings, it has the power to create profits, restore power and turn back the hands of time. You might call it a TIG welder, but many of your most desperate customers will
Cylinder liner adjustment and compression ring gasket thickness for Detroit Diesel Corporation (DDC) 71 Series diesel engines
Engine Builders: The following information regards cylinder liner adjustment and compression ring gasket thickness for Detroit Diesel Corporation (DDC) 71 Series diesel engines. This information should be considered any time liners are replaced. AERA previously published TB 206 concerning compression ring gaskets. This supplements that information. The correct position of the liner top flange is
PERA’s Core Corner
Have you ever had a tune get stuck in your head and it seems to follow you everywhere? No matter what you do, or where you go, it continues to go around in your head over and over again. For me, that is what it feels like with this month’s subject, the 4.6L SOHC Ford
The New Sport Compact Market
The most popular nameplates are imports such as Honda, Acura and Mitsubishi, but coming on fast are Nissan, Toyota, Mazda, Subaru and Volkswagen – plus domestic models such as Ford Focus, Dodge Neon and even Chevy Cavalier. Nobody is abandoning the small block Chevy or any of the other V8s that have traditionally been the
High Performance Piston Options
Ask the kid on the street what performance is and he’ll raise the hood of his Honda. Ask the Funny Car drag racer about performance and he’ll take you to the starting line to breathe the nitromethane. Ask the mother on vacation and she’ll tell you about driving to California from Indiana pulling a car
How To Maximize The Business Horsepower Available From A Dyno
To many consumers, dynamometers (flow benches and CNC porting too) represent black art. They believe that dyno testing their engine will somehow magically transform it into a producer of unheard levels of power. Others just want to compare their engine to one they read about in a magazine. And still others are seeking bragging rights.
Timing chain installation procedures on 1998-2002 Chrysler 2.7L DOHC Engines
Engine Builders: The following information may be helpful for your installers regarding timing chain installation procedures on 1998-2002 Chrysler 2.7L DOHC Engines. If the following procedure is not followed correctly, upon start up, valves will bend. Align crankshaft sprocket timing mark to the mark on oil pump housing. NOTE: Lubricate timing chain and guides with
Avoid Do-Overs
For those of you who have your own children or you are exposed to them on a regular basis, you know that at some point in time you are going to hear the phrase "Do Over!" What is a D.O.? It usually occurs after you have a complete and utter meltdown; a screw up; a
PERA’s Core Corner
During our research of the General Motors Gen III engine family we continued to run up against a stumbling block of exterior identification between the 4.8L and 5.3L engines. It seemed that no matter who we spoke with, be it core suppliers, wrecking yards, engineers or rebuilders, when asked how they differentiated between the 4.8L
Timing belt installation procedures on 1994-2001 Acura B18 Series engines
Engine Builders: The following information is for installers regarding timing belt installation procedures on 1994-2001 Acura B18 Series engines. Failure to follow these procedures could result in engine damage. Position the crankshaft and the camshaft pulleys as shown in Figure 1 before installing the timing belt. Set the crankshaft so that the No. 1 piston
Align Yourself
The crankshaft main bores are the foundation of every engine block. The alignment of the main bores is important because their position establishes the centerline of the crankshaft and how the crank aligns with the cylinders, deck surfaces and camshaft. Misalignment in the main bores can cause binding and premature main bearing wear. Misalignment occurs
Coolant contamination of engine oil for 1996-2003 GM 3.1L or 3.4L VIN J & E engines
Engine Builders: The AERA Technical Committee offers the following information regarding coolant contamination of engine oil for 1996-2003 GM 3.1L or 3.4L VIN J & E engines due to failure of the intake manifold gasket. GM has redesigned a new intake manifold gasket (p/n 89017279) to reduce the chance of failure. The material used in
Thrust Bearing Failure
Thrust bearings are used to control end play in the crankshaft. End play is important because it limits the fore and aft movement of the crankshaft in the block. If an engine is assembled with too much end play in the crank, or if the thrust bearing fails, the forward movement of the crankshaft in
Valve lifter failure is experienced on Mack MIDR 06.02.12 or MIDR 06.02.26 diesel engines valve lifter failure is experienced on Mack MIDR 06.02.12 or MIDR 06.02.26 diesel engine valve lifter failure is experienced on Mack MIDR 06.02.12 or MIDR 06.02.26 d
If a lifter failed in a 2001 Mack truck, how concerned should I be about the rest of the components? If valve lifter failure is experienced on Mack MIDR 06.02.12 or MIDR 06.02.26 diesel engines with original style lifters, the AERA Technical Committee recommends that all 12 lifters and pushrods be replaced with improved components.