Tech Notes
Engine Builders: The AERA Technical Committee offers the following information regarding a cylinder boring caution for 1996-2002 GM 5.7L VIN R engines. These engines are the last version of the original small block series and have been commonly called “Vortec” engines. It has been reported that cylinder bore distortion is prevalent in these blocks. Therefore,
Coretalk: Dallas To Host PERA Spring Technical Meeting March 30-April 1 2006
The meeting, a combination of technical sessions and facility tours, will begin with a cash reception in the hotel’s lobby bar on Thursday, March 30. The technical program is slated to begin on Friday, March 31st, following breakfast hosted by PERA. Ray Fink, PERA’s new president and president of AER Manufacturing Inc., in Carrollton, TX,
Machine Maintenance: Get Your Head Together – And Apart!
The C-frame style of valve spring compressor has become the preferred tool for disassembly and re-assembly of the standard applications like Chevy and Ford. These compressors work with air and a special jaw presses on the retainer, allowing you to remove the keepers quickly and safely. There are also manual versions of the C-frame compressor
Cutting Edge Tooling – Superabrasives in the Shop
The need for faster production speeds and higher quality surface finishes has made superabrasives almost mandatory for most resurfacing, honing and grinding operations. What makes these materials so indispensable for engine building today? Their superior hardness is a major factor because it provides outstanding tool life that far exceeds conventional abrasives. A set of metal
Performance Cylinder Sleeves
In the performance segment of the automotive aftermarket, young enthusiasts often think only the latest is great enough for their vehicle. Thanks to the prevalence of computerized engine management systems, some might believe that high-tech guarantees high horsepower. Yesterday’s technology? No way will it find success on the street or strip. However, engine builders know
Shop Line
The AERA Technical Committee says the following information should be considered any time a cylinder head is installed on 2001-2005 GM 8.1L VIN E and G engines. Three different length mounting bolts are used to secure the cylinder heads for these engines as shown in Figure 1. These bolts are intended for a single-use and
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