I use a serpentine belt to lift blocks and cranks. No more need for chains and bolts or wrenches. It won't harm machined surfaces and this belt can lift a fully dressed 5.9 Cummins. I've been using these for years and never had one break. Gary Sloat Auto…
Gary Sloat Auto Supply of Stuart Stuart, FL
When we use our resurfacing machines we usually let it travel just far enough to machine the length of the head or block that we are machining. This practice can cause a lack of lubrication to the Ways of one end of the machine. Once per day I…
Dave Matton D and D Auto Machine Bloomington, MN
Magnetic cleaner I attach a large speaker magnet in my valve grinder oil tank. This draws any metal particular matter to this area and keeps the oil clean. Gary Sloat Auto Supply of Stuart Stuart, FL June, 2018
Gary Sloat Auto Supply of Stuart Stuart, FL
To remove burrs and irregularities on machine beds or stanchions, I use a carbide tipped gasket scraper.These carbide tipped scraper are superior to anything out there! Oh, and they do a nice job on gaskets too! Darin Driscoll AMS Fort Collins, CO June, 2018
Darin Driscoll AMS Fort Collins, CO
MULTI_PURPOSE STORAGE In our shop we have multiple crank grinder stones, and we were always tripping over them. We had them leaning up against a wall or the crank grinder, which is pretty reckless considering their value. Before we could actually have an accident, we built this cabinet to hold…
Brad Luck Weaver Auto Parts Sauk City, WI
We all need some positive reinforcement from time to time. When talking with your customers about some news that is not necessarily good, you can also put a more positive spin on the news. Let’s say you are starting an engine build and find out the…
Engine Pro Technical Committee
You’ve heard the expression about “assume”? It will make an “ass” out of “u” and “me”. Here’s a simple tip that goes back to marketing 101 - Don’t assume your customers know what they need. And, don’t assume they know what you know. The best way to…
Steve Rich Sterling Bearing, Inc. N. Kansas City, MO.
Sometimes when we repeat a task over and over, we don't look at the details as much as we should. We trust the customer, the parts manufacturer or simple circumstance. The opportunity for problems presents itself when we become comfortable, building the same engine we have…
Mark Sarine Sterling Engine Parts, Inc. Dania Beach, FL
The best form of advertising is word-of-mouth. The old studies showed that a satisfied customer will tell 2-3 people about their good experience with your company, while a dissatisfied consumer will share their experience with 8-10 people. In today’s social media dominated society,…
Steve Rich Sterling Bearing, Inc. N. Kansas City, MO
One thing I’ve learned after many years of business is that my time is very valuable. I can balance multiple machines running and I can squeeze in some time with my customers, but it can be difficult being the “parts guy” as well. Like most shops, I…
Randy Torvinen Torvinen’s Machine Menahga, MN