I keep a container of engine assembly lube at my cylinder head work bench. A good dab of assembly lube holds spring cups and or shims in place during cylinder head assembly. Too many times the shims came off and got mixed up, so I started doing this…
Randy Torvinen Torvinen's Machine Shop Menahga MN
For removing the top hat valves stem seals on heads with bucket holes hard to reach, I use stripped sockets the right size, with an extension. Knock it to grip and use a battery-operated ratchet to spin the seals out. It takes only a second per seal.…
Sylvain Tremblay Les Ateliers de Moteur-Competi-tech inc . Ste- Catherine, Quebec , Canada.
To quickly and easily measure the lash caps on late 2.0L & 2.5L Subarus with chain drive timing, I disassembled a 0 - 1 micrometer and turned down the measuring side of the spindle so that it will fit inside the lash caps. Having this measure makes final…
Tom Prodahl Cylinder Head Service Minneapolis, MN
We often times trust our senses. I trust my sense of touch in what I call, The Four Way Slide. The bounce test works, but this concentricity test tells you more. I slide the valve against the seat to the back, right, left, and back towards…
Randy Torvinen Torvinen's Machine Menahga, MN
I have made a quick-change for going between surfacing aluminum and cast iron heads. For aluminum heads I use a PCD plate and 750 tr/min on an arm with 2-strong bolts with guiding in a stone head. For steel I use grinding stones and 1800tr/min with water…
Joris Decker Deckers Motorenrevisie Belgium, Europe
If you are like me, you test all the valve to seats seal with a vacuum test. It’s not possible when you have a single exhaust system. What I use is plumbers’ putty on the valves of the chambers not being tested to assure a good…
Luis A. Guzman Technomotors El Paso, TX
I make a spacer to set in the recess of my Height Mics for small retainers. I use two .060" and one .030" spring shims and I can use it on SB Chevy heads and others with small diameter springs. The A & B105 work for SB Chevy.…
Randy Torvinen Torvinen's Machine Menahga, MN
For a quick check or if I don't have a Spring Height Mic that is small enough, I use a telescoping gauge to get the height off the head. Then I have various Valve Adjustment Discs I can use to simulate the retainer thickness and I…
Randy Torvinen Torvinen's Machine Menahga, MN
To avoid cracking the guide when ball broaching liners I made collars that slip fit over the guide. I've used large valve guides, aluminum, and steel round stock to make them. The time invested is quickly offset by not needing to replace cracked guides. Randy Torvinen Torvinen's Machine…
Randy Torvinen Torvinen's Machine Shop Menahga MN
I use my magnetic screwdriver with a small diameter Phillips bit to collect the valve keepers as I compress the springs on overhead cam cylinder heads. The small Phillips bit becomes magnetized when it is inserted into the magnetic screwdriver, and it is small enough…
Jerry McLain McLain's Automotive Machine Shop Cuba, Missouri