Tech Notes
Engine Builders: The AERA Technical Committee offers the following information regarding a revised cylinder head gasket for Cummins ISB/ISBe 5.9L diesel engines. This information applies only to engines used for marine applications. This service bulletin topic introduces a redesigned cylinder head gasket to accommodate the cylinder pressure requirements of the QSB 425 marine engine. The
Performance Notes, Inspiration Leads To Innovation For Resurfacing Tool
All too often we start with a good rebuildable engine core only to find the camshaft thrust surface has taken a beating at some time in its previous life. This is not a new problem for engine builders. Machinists have come up with a number of solutions to these problems throughout the years. Some of
PERA’s Core Corner, Fighting Truth Decay About Cavitation Damage
It’s amazing how something that may be damaging or corrosive in one circumstance can be of great value in another, like using extremely dangerous explosives to put out an oil well fire. This month we are going to talk about a similar action yet on a much smaller scale, microscopic actually, and it’s called “cavitation.”
High Performance Piston Rings and Cylinder Finishes
Today’s performance ring sets are thinner, lighter and more conformable than ever before. Thinner, low-tension rings reduce friction for more usable horsepower. Less weight reduces ring groove pound out. Narrower rings also allow tighter tolerances and less blowby. All very good things when you’re building a performance engine. But they also require rounder, straighter cylinder
Shop Line
Bedplate removal and replacement procedures for 2003-’06 Chrysler /Jeep 3.7L V6 VIN K engines are very detailed so follow carefully to avoid unnecessary component replacement. Removal Remove oil pump. Do not pry on the oil pan gasket when removing the oil pan. The oil pan gasket is mounted to the cylinder block in three locations
Tech Notes
Engine Builders: The AERA Technical Committee offers the following information regarding an oversize piston and revised bore specification for 1999-2004 Subaru 2.5L SOHC engines. This engine uses a selective bore process for determining piston use. Originally, the pistons selected were either an “A” or “B” to obtain the desired 0.010 – 0.030 (mm) piston to
Shop Financials: When It Comes To Marketing, Does More Mean MORE?
Hopefully, my last “Shop Financials” column left you with the idea of maintaining “balanced” growth in your company. This column will focus on one of the 7 key areas I mentioned including marketing your company, products and services. It’s important to start with the basics. The first question to ask yourself is: Are we successful
Tech Notes
Engine Builders: The AERA Technical Committee offers the following information on coolant loss on 2001-2004 GM 6.6L diesel VIN 1 engines. Some owners may comment on engine coolant loss with no visible leaks. Excessive white smoke or a coolant type odor coming from the exhaust pipe, along with low coolant levels, may indicate coolant entering
Cylinder Head Design and Modification – Getting Started
No one can teach you how to port heads in a single magazine article, not even as great a magazine as Engine Builder. “Blasphemy!” the editors are screaming, but it’s the truth, because every job is unique to itself and its intended use. There are many resources available, but if you are serious about learning
Shopline
How much cam end play is acceptable when working on a Nissan Quest cylinder head? The AERA Technical Committee explains that the following information regarding camshaft end play for 1996-2004 Nissan 3.3L engines (Pathfinders and Quests) should be referenced whenever camshaft or cylinder head service is performed. Install the camshaft and locate plate in the
Technotes
Engine Builders: There has been some confusion about the proper method of push rod removal and installation for 1992-2000 GM 6.5L VIN F and S diesel engines, especially during re-assembly of valve train components, according to the AERA Technical Department. Because the push rod design has different hardness requirements for each end, it is important
PERA’S Core Corner: Understanding Chrysler’s Next Generation Controllers
Being one of the “Baby Boomers,” I find myself at a juncture in my life where, shockingly, I have adopted much of the same mindset that my father had about change: I don’t like it as much as I used to! However, many of the Gen X’ers today will tell you they willingly embrace change
Washington Way: Counterfeit Parts Seem Cheap But Have Very High Cost
Counterfeit motor vehicle parts have a substantial negative impact on vehicle parts suppliers in the United States. Counterfeit parts are ones which bear a registered trademark but were not produced by or under license from the registered trademark owner. Therefore, use of the mark violates the trademark owner’s rights. Not only do counterfeit parts divert
What Are The Costs?
In the equipment industry, it’s a similar situation. Change and development have been furious. Advancements in technology have made nearly every step of the rebuilding process more exact than ever, which has made it easier for shops to meet the ever-tightening tolerances and reach OE specifications. But these advancements haven’t come without their costs, both
Increasing Stock Performance
Let’s face it: stock engines just don’t wear out – at least not until upwards of 150,000 miles for the average late model engine. Sure, neglect continues to take its toll, but on the whole, while there is still some stock rebuilding work to be had, it’s not what it used to be. Have you
Which Cranksfaft Meets Your Racing Needs Best?
There are a lot of racing crankshafts in the automotive aftermarket today. You’ll find a wide variety of styles, strokes, weights and price ranges from which you can choose. The question you need to be asking is which crank is “right” for the engine you’re building? The answer to that question depends on several things
Shop Line
What’s the story on piston cooling tubes for Navistar diesel engines? The AERA Technical Department says that the piston cooling tube design on Navistar DT 466 and 570 diesel engines has been revised, and this information should be considered anytime the tubes are removed for service on engines with a serial number higher than 2,000,000.
Tech Notes
Engine Builders: A camshaft and lash adjuster design change was made between the 2004 and 2005 Ford 5.4L 3-valve VIN 5 engines. AERA’s Technical Commitee says do not use 2005 model year parts when servicing a 2004 model year or 2004 model year parts for a 2005 model year. If parts are intermixed during a
Shop Financials: Fail To Anticipate Change And You’ll Struggle – Or Worse
The automotive industry and business in general today is changing faster than at any time in recent memory. Failure to understand and react to industry changes may cause a business to fail, or at minimum, no longer allow them to effectively compete in their market area. Successful owners are all about change and they initiate
Machine Maintenance: Don’t Neglect Your Shop’s Other Machines
Over the past couple of years we’ve discussed the various maintenance requirements for your big machines – surface grinders, crank grinders, cleaning machines, etc. Now we’re going to take a look at five other devices that play an important part in building the best possible engines for your customers – the air compressor, hydraulic press,