Saying Goodbye to Jeep TJ: Cylinder Block Casting Information
I have a La-Z-Boy recliner that I probably should have retired ten years ago. Yet even today, it’s one of the most comfortable chairs that I have ever sat in. Because I hate the thought of giving it up, my next move will be to put it in the garage, where I always have TV,
Procedures for Checking Straightness on 1992-2003 Ford Aluminum Cylinder Heads
The surface quality (finish) of the cylinder head gasket surface ismachined to close tolerances that enable an effective sealing joint forthe MLS (multi-layered steel) gasket. To ensure all head gaskets sealproperly, be sure surfaces are clear of any gasket debris, RTV, oil,and coolant using Motorcraft Silicone Gasket Remover (ZC-30) andMotorcraft Metal Surface Prep (ZC-31). Use
Advantages, Myths and Fables of High Volume Oil Pumps
The oil pump’s most difficult task is to supply oil to the connecting rod bearing that is the farthest from the pump. To reach this bearing, the oil travels from three to four feet, turns numerous square corners through small holes in the crankshaft to the rod bearing. The rod bearing doesn’t help matters. It
Sometimes Engineering Changes Actually Make Sense
As much fun as it is to play detective, research obscure facts andunravel engineering messes myself, sometimes I totally enjoy runningacross things that just plain make sense. Often, many of these things are after-the-fact thoughts, but that iswhy hindsight is always 20/20. For those in the engineering world,these would be running changes, technical improvements and
Uncovering the Causes of Burned or Scuffed Pistons
Question: My engine burned a piston. What does that mean and why did it happen? Answer:It means the piston failed due to excessive heat in the combustionchamber. A burned piston will typically have a melted appearance, or ahole burned completely through the top of the piston. Aluminum can onlywithstand so much heat, and when it
Clearing The Confusion Concerning GM Gen III Crankshafts
Both Doug Anderson and I have written a number of articles and columns about these engines, but for some reason I continue to hear about the difficulties. So it’s time to go back to the basics, start from the beginning and review the old and add some new things that have come along. The first
Back to Basics: How to Read a Micrometer
There are other types of micrometers, including depth micrometers and inside micrometers. As the names imply, they measure depth and the inside diameters, respectively. Often other tools (such as bore gauges) are used with micrometers to determine sizes so knowing how to read the micrometer is absolutely necessary. A micrometer is a measuring gauge operated
Compatibility of Component Design Changes in Cummins ISX/QSX
Listed below are a few of the basic, although major, changes you may encounter when rebuilding an ISX/QSX engine: Head Gaskets: Early versions of these engines were produced with a multiple piece head gaskets to seal the cylinder head to the block. This design could only be used with the early “grooved top” liner
Cackling or Knocking Noise Complaints on Ford 7.3L Diesel Engine
This noise may sound like a rod knock, but it is intermittent and it increases in intensity as the engine warms up to operating temperature. The "cackie" noise may by caused by pressure variation within the fuel rail and in virtually all instances is attributed to cylinder #8 (driver side rear). The "cackle" noise does
Three-Angle Valve Seat Cutting Tips
1) Use new carbide pilots for precise and high-quality valve seat and bowl work. • Carbide pilots help keep tooling cutting true. When cutting 3-angle seats,counterboring for seat rings or using bowl hogs to enlarge valve bowls,the resistance of the workpiece against the tool tries to deflect thepilot. Goodson Carbide Pilots resist this deflection five
Hydraulic Lifter Summer School Session
Based upon some ofthe questions that I have been getting lately – particularly in theareas of valve train lifter noise and bearing clearances – I thought itwas time to go back to engine school. Let’s take a quick run through Hydraulic Lifter 101 and at the end I’llleave you with a valuable PBT (Practical Builder
Stalking The Toyota Family
In some circles, these words might be considered an engine equivalentto the supermarket tabloids, and my "inquiring mind" would not let itgo. I know that this is not as titillating as Britney Spears shavingher head but I still think that there is a real benefit to being ableto decipher the Toyota engine designators. There is