How to Find and Fix Cracks
Cracks are bad news because they never heal themselves. Once a crack starts, it always gets worse. Checking critical engine parts and castings is time well spent if it heads off a major problem that might result in a major engine issue or a warranty claim.
Dark Days of Diesel?
Think about the diesel engine over the last 30 years. From a rattling bucket of bolts that often got a frown from people it’s become a highly sought-after engine among the younger high school generation. Who would ever have imagined that one?
Understanding the Mack MP8
The Mack MP8 13-liter engine at first glance seems to be very similar to any other modern day diesel power plant. It uses the standard emissions devices including the EGR system, DOC (Diesel Oxidation Catalyst), DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter), electronic injection and VGT (Variable Geometric Turbo). But, behind the scenes are some interesting details that make the engine unique.
When Oil and Water Mix – The Marine Engine Market
For those unfamiliar with marine engines, there is a common misconception that these are highly unique devices. This simply isn’t the case. If you can rebuild an automobile engine, you can rebuild a marine engine. If you can build a solid, reliable drag or circle track engine, you can build, or rebuild, a marine performance engine. The key to success is understanding the subtle differences and being able to recognize the pitfalls.
Piston and Sleeve Finishing and Break-In Tips
When finishing diesel cylinder bores or sleeves, a two or three step process that results in a plateau finish is usually best to reduce ring break-in and seating time. The type of honing stones, feed and pressure used to finish the cylinders will vary depending on what kind of finish you want to achieve.
DEI V8 Titanium Protect-A-Wire Kit
For V8 ignition wires exposed to extreme heat from exhaust manifolds and headers, DEI’s new Titanium Protect-A-Wire Kit provides advanced heat protection. Developed with proprietary Titanium LR fiber technology, the same material as DEI’s Titanium exhaust wrap and plug boots, this Titanium color sleeving material withstands temperatures up to 1800°F direct heat, or 2500°F radiant.
Lining Up Sleeve and Liner Work
Whether their purpose is going to be repairing an OE application or to go all out in the restructuring of the engine block, liners and sleeves have to be able to perform a number of tasks. Here are some tips to help you with their installation:
The Evolution of Surface Treatments
In the never ending quest for better performance, durability and reliability, various types of surface coatings and treatments have evolved as solutions for problems that have vexed engine builders for years. Coatings that were once considered exotic race-only solutions are now being used on a wide variety of stock and performance applications. If you’re not
AERA Tech & Skills Conference Hosted by Liberty Engine Parts
Time is running out to register for the AERA Tech & Skills Conference hosted by Liberty Engine Parts on Saturday, March 15, 2014 in Louisville, KY. The AERA Tech & Skills Conference hosted by Liberty Engine Parts will be held at 3865 Produce Road Suite 213-A, Louisville, KY 40218. FEES: $10 per person ($10 for each additional person from the same
Building Blocks: The Foundation of Any Engine Build
Every engine project starts with the block because the block is the foundation for everything else that follows. The block determines bore and stroke, camshaft and lifter location, oil pump location and oil galley configuration, what kind of main bearing caps can be used to support the crankshaft, and what kind of cylinder heads, oil
Ford 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel Injector Removal and Installation
The following special tools are needed for this procedure: Removing the injectors: 1. Remove the valve cover. 2. Drain
Brief Overview of Caterpillar C7 Engines
This popular engine can often be found in on-highway trucks, and also in off-highway applications such as loaders, skidders, excavators, motor graders, and industrial and marine units. It is actually a 7.2 liter (439 cid) engine with a 4.33? bore (110mm) and 5.0? stroke (127mm). Note: This engine was also covered in more detail in
Engine Options Abound In The Street Rod Market
The National Street Rod Association (NSRA) provides the best definition of what street rods are all about. “By definition a street rod is an automobile of 1948 or earlier manufacture which has undergone some type of modernization to include any of the following; engine, transmission, interior refinements, and any other modifications the builder desires. In
HPBG: Becoming a Better Engine Builder at 22nd Annual AETC in Orlando
But if I were a professional engine builder, or even a highly competent amateur engine builder, one of the first things I would do is learn as much as possible from the smartest people in the business. While we at Engine Builder magazine provide countless articles on the subject and the business of running a
Smooth Moves: Today’s Surfaces Often Demand Different Finishes
When multi-layer steel (MLS) head gaskets became commonplace a number of years ago, there was a lot of concern that aftermarket surfacing procedures might not be able to reproduce the mirror-like finish that the vehicle manufacturers said was absolutely necessary to seal MLS head gaskets. The challenge was to duplicate the factory finish using out-dated
How Piston Rings Affect Horsepower
The rings seal the pistons to prevent air and oil from being drawn past the rings into the combustion chamber during the intake stroke. During the compression stroke, the rings make sure the air/fuel stays in the combustion chamber and is fully compressed before it is ignited. During the power stroke, the rings prevent pressure
Boring and Honing Tips and Tricks
One of the goals of boring and honing cylinders is to size the bores to a specific dimension. If an engine is being remanufactured to meet specific criteria, that usually means boring and honing to achieve a standard oversize (.010?, .020? or .030?). The oversize will depend on the thickness of the casting, how much
Sizing Up The Valve Guide
Worn guides will draw oil down the valve stem and will coat or coke on the port side of the valve. This will hinder air flow and cause engine performance to be compromised. Too much oil getting down that valve stem and may cause mechanical failure due to the increased possibility of pre-ignition. Worn valve
Asian Engine Market: Not Lost in Translation
Of course, import interest is nothing new. It has been growing since the fuel crisis of the ’70s, but in 2009, Asian car companies surpassed domestic manufacturers in the percentage of all cars and light trucks sold in the U.S. for the first time ever. While it seems the majority of the performance aftermarket bleeds
A Chip Off The Old Block: Aftermarket Blocks Are More Versatile Than Ever
It’s the same economic principle many body shops use on their rodding customers. You can expend good time, money and effort trying to resurrect an old hulk towards the customer’s ultimate goals or you can cut to the chase by starting with an accurate reproduction. In engine building, the same holds true but with a