Many late model engines, like the LS series GM V8’s, use a press fit reluctor wheel as a crankshaft trigger. When the need arises to swap the crankshaft reluctor, some companies sell a tool for approximately $200. Taking one off is as simple as knocking off a…
Jeff McLain Jeff’s Auto Machine Shop Benton, AR
In certain cases, we have to remove a good deal of stock from the pin end of the rod. Whether to fit oversize pins in a press-fit rod, to fit bushings that are .001-.002” oversize or bore out an undersized bushing to spec, this…
Miles Rogers BP Rods Magnolia, TX
Since the new LS motors all have reluctor rings, my son and I figured out a relatively easy way to stabilize our cranks when we are installing the reluctor ring to the crank. We honed out a junk harmonic balancer to use as a stand…
Carl Boyd, Jr The Engine Shop Collingdale, PA
When dealing with piston pin ends of connecting rods, we have found a countersink to be a very useful tool. Attempting to guide a piston pin into a bushing with only .0001-.0005” clearance can be a frustrating task, occasionally resulting in damage to the…
Miles Rogers BP Rods Magnolia, TX
Pin Bushings require about the same amount of interference fit as a piston pin. The same rod heater you use to fit pins can be useful with certain pin bushings. Tapered rods can be very difficult to remove and install bushings in and usually require some…
Miles Rogers BP Rods Magnolia, TX
We were trying to remove the alignment dowels from some “H” beam rods and our usual method of using a head dowel puller wasn’t working on the stubborn ones. I was trying to figure out a more precision collet set to use when I decided that my…
Timm Jurincie Tuf-Enuf Auto Performance Avondale,AZ.
There is a way to recondition the so-called “cracked” rods, or powdered metal connecting rods. I use a media made of coal slag that can be found at most home improvement stores. You have to blast the 4 mating surfaces on the rod and…
Darrin Anderson Sterling Engine Parts Kansas City, MO
When I torque & check connecting rods for size, the surface with the bolt is hard to deburr first. I had some files drilled with carbide bits to .010” over 3/8”, 7/16” & 1/2”. Now it’s an easy task to deburr and looks great. Randy Torvinen…
Randy Torvinen Torvinen’s Machine Menahga, MN
Connecting Rod Pin Bore Repair Ever need to repair a Ford, Chrysler or any other full-floating connecting rod where the pin bore is now larger than the O.D. of your new bushings? I use acid-core solder as a filler and bonding agent. Heat your connecting rod’s small end in your…
Darrin Anderson Sterling Bearing Inc. Kansas City, MO
Save The Piston, Remove The Pins Before removing press-fit pistons that we plan on reusing, we immerse the piston in a coffee can of motor oil. You only need enough oil to submerge the piston. We use synthetic oil for the EP and high temperature qualities. We then heat it…
Timm Jurincie Tuff-Enuf Auto & Marine Performance Avondale, AZ