When I disassemble an Ecotec head I always have trouble getting the lifters out. There is not enough room for my small fingers to grab on and sometimes they are stuck with varnish. I use ¼” fuel hose, about a 6” length, to slip over the tip…
Helen C. Just Union Auto Supply Union, MO
We see many different cylinder head combinations and sometimes it is necessary to cut down the valve spring locators to get a socket on the cylinder head bolt or nut. We use an old valve guide and a pair of vice grips to hold the locator…
Adam Cofer Salina Engine Salina, KS
I have had these seal puller pliers for years, but honestly, they were utterly useless. After a decade and some frustration with pulling Honda seals, I finally came up with this simple modification. I welded a nut to the end of one of the handles to attach…
Jake Sampson Sampson Racing Engines Inver Grove Heights, MN
Cheat the Tool Bit that is with a sliver of paper to change the angle slightly. Post-its or any thin paper seems to work well. I like to run my valve and seat angles the same. Tool Bits and Holders can vary and this helps with…
Randy Torvinen Torvinen's Machine Menahga, MN
I had a different combination of valve stem and spring diameters to work with and I could not find spring retainers to fit. I had previously made these mandrels to hold and modify 7° & 10° retainers, so this job was easy to complete. With…
Randy Torvinen Torvinen's Machine Menahga, MN
When vacuum testing valves on some heads there may be obstacles in the way. In many cases there will be some exhaust studs in the way like this 3.4L GM. Rather than opening up a can of worms trying to remove the exhaust studs, I look through…
Dan Matton D and D Auto Machine Bloomington, MN
Take a valve guide liner (K-Liner or other) of the appropriate stem diameter and insert into drill press chuck. This will provide a nice protected grip on the valves while they’re spinning. Have a pan of solvent underneath and grip the head of valve with scotch bright pad.…
Nick Jones Automotive Machine Fraser, MI
When setting up valve springs or checking valve spring pressure I set a spring retainer on my Height Mic and use that to check the springs on the tester. To figure the installed height, bring the tester to the desired pressure and open the Height Mic to…
Randy Torvinen Torvinen's Machine Menahga, MN
When working with a customer's brand new cylinder heads, I cover the finish machined ends with painters tape to avoid scratches during any finish procedures and assembly. When someone pays big money for a set of heads, the last thing they want to see is scratches from…
Ron Flood Cedar Machine North Branch, MN
When I grind valve seats and want a nice finish when I get done, I take a strip of abrasive cloth about 1/4 inch wide and 4 inches long. I place it between the seat and stone with the abrasive side facing the stone. I hold the cloth…
Dale Beran The Parts Bin Ord, NE