Metal parts that are exposed to too much heat will turn a shade of Blue. I found that brushing white vinegar on the eye of the connecting rod, after heating to install pistons, removes the Blue. Put vinegar in a plastic container for dipping small parts, it…
Randy Torvinen Torvinen’s Machine Menahga, MN
When installing valve seats, you sometimes run across porosity that leads into water at the base of the counterbore. I like to pressure test after the counterbores are If you have a seat that you’re trying to seal up, you can make a positive chemical…
Ron Flood Cedar Machine North Branch, MN
I prime all of my engines with the intake manifold off, valley open. You can see oil escaping around lifters and cam bearings. You can see if you have the wrong base circle camshaft on SB Ford hydraulic roller cams and if the lifter…
Randy Quam Competition Engines Eagan, MN
When performing volume checks, this cuts down on the mess to clean up afterwards. Once finished pouring the volume, we use this syringe and a piece of tubing to suck the fluid out of the cylinder or chamber before removing the plate. The syringes can be found…
Adam Cofer Salina Engine Salina, KS
When broaching a keyway in a relatively thin part, such as this modified gear cut from a Chevy camshaft or a narrow pulley, I use an aluminum spacer to hold the broach guide bushing up and out of the work piece. This will help hold the broach…
Tom Nichols Automotive Machine & Supply, Inc Cleburne, TX
I have an easy way to deburr a connecting rod with the bolt still in and even performance rods with the dowels in. I had some file pieces drilled by my buddy at a tool shop. He drilled them about .005 over with Carbide drills. I have…
Randy Torvinen Torvinen's Machine Shop Menahga MN
It is not uncommon for the Volkswagen 1.8L, 20-valve cylinder head to require several if not all new intake and exhaust valves once it reaches your shop door. A failed belt, water pump and tensioners can provide quick and devastating havoc inside the engine and some valves…
Engine Pro Technical Committee