Tech Notes Archives - Page 10 of 35 - Engine Builder Magazine
Dynamic vs. Static Fuel Systems: EFI efficiency for carburetors

Those who choose or are forced to run a carburetor are turning to expensive, custom-built models for better performance. Often the custom shop will advise a fuel pump upgrade, suggesting a fuel pump rated to support as much as 4-6 times engine horsepower. The reason given is the effect acceleration has on filling the float

Cylinder Block Prep Tips

First, you want to look for cracks on the water jacket area and in the lifter valley area. If the block has ever been frozen, this is where cracks will show up. Next, look for cracks around the main webs, these are hard to spot when the block is greasy, but we are just looking

Piston Pin Spiro Lock Installation Procedures

When installing Spiro locks, grip each end of the lock and pull apart (approx. 3/8?-7/16?). The lock will resemble a small coil (Figure 1). The lock can then be spiraled into place almost as if you were screwing them into a groove (Figure 2). WARNING:It is important that the correct numbers of locks are installed

Recommended Valve Spring Pressures

The following recommendations are from Erson Cams. If you have questions, you can reach their tech department at 800-641-7920. Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshaft:   110 lbs Seat pressure/250-280 lbs open pressure Solid Flat Tappet Camshaft:   130 lbs Seat Pressure/300-325 lbs open pressure Hydraulic Roller Camshaft:    130 lbs Seat Pressure/300- 325 lbs open pressure Solid Roller Camshaft:

New Rear Main Seal Installation for 1995-2004 GM 3.8L Engines

Affects 1995-2004 GM models with with 3.8L V6 Engines (VINs K, 1,2, 4 – RPOs L36, L67, L26, L32) Crankshaft Rear Oil Seal and Housing Removal 1) Remove oil pan assembly as outlined in the appropriate Service Information Manual. 2) Remove the crankshaft rear oil seal housing bolts. 3) Remove the crankshaft rear oil seal

Tips and Tricks For Quickly and Accurately Detecting Cracks

Dry Method Magnetic Particle Inspection When "Magnafluxing" a casting, never blast with media prior to testing.Blast media peens the surface and can move metal, possibly closing thevery cracks or flaws that you are trying to identify. When very coarsewire brushes are used roughly, they can also mask these areas. Usuallythe casting itself, without cleaning, is

Ford Valve Springs

Ford valve springs are designed to work with a certain lift cam, and since most aftermarket cams have higher lift, the spring must be addressed. It is highly recommended and a requirement of most warranties that the suggested springs be installed along with a cam manufacturer’s recommended camshaft. Most Ford cylinder heads utilized a step

Sheared Crankshaft Sprocket Keys Found on Some GM 6.2L Diesel Engines

A new hardened washer, p/n 23504011, is availalbe for improved clampload of the crankshaft sprocket to the crankshaft by the crankshaftbolt. Installation torques for the hardened washer have been increasedto 177 to 185 ft.lbs. (240 N.m /250 N.m). Parts are currently available from GM and other suppliers should damperloosening occur, resulting in the crankshaft sprocket

Preventing Camshaft Seizure on 1990-

The small hole in this restrictor may become partially blocked and limit the amount of oil flow to the cylinder head. Eventually lack of lubrication may cause a camshaft journal to score its camshaft bore and seize. Some engine builders drill the existing restrictor to .062? (1.575 mm) to increase oil flow to the cylinder

Rear Crankshaft Oil Leaks on 2005-2007 GM Atlas 4.2L Engines

Verify the leak by looking at the end of the crankshaft (Figure 1). If oil is present in the bore (where the torque converter nose engages the crankshaft), a specialservice procedure should be performed. If the bore is dry, or oil appears to befrom the seal area, perform normal oil leak analysis. A service cup

Cylinder Head Resurfacing Tips: How To Produce An Ideal Surface Finish

Dress and true the wheel Always dress and true the resurfacer wheel face to keep it in propergrinding condition. Never dress or true a wheel above the wheel centerline. In addition, always dress or true the wheel as close as possibleto the point of actual grinding. Since the grinding wheel usually wearsmost often on the

History-Making Times and Technologies

Speaking of choices, we have a little bit of history happening in theautomotive industry as well and it’s called Displacement on Demand,Active Fuel Management, Multi-Displacement system, Variable CylinderManagement and the list goes on. The bottom line is, technology thatchanges the number of cylinders a vehicle runs on can use just 25-30percent of the available horsepower