Tech Help

CHRYSLER PROBLEM: CHRYSLER: 9.25", 12 Bolt Cover, 4.56 and Higher. I bought 4.56 gears for my 1/2 ton pickup, but I cannot get the cross pin...

How to Set Valves the Easy WayIt's a skill that every hot rodder should know by heart. It can also be one of the more confusing aspects of engine...

Adjusting Valves with Perma-Locks When adjusting valves with perma-lock adjusters, after reaching desired valve lash, loosen adjuster 1/4 turn,...

Valves with Stud Girdles When adjusting valves with stud girdles, after tightening stud girdles you must recheck valve lash.

Urban legends abound in the gearhead community. One is: aluminum connecting rods don't work in street engines. Prior to the mid-'70s, that might have...

For most people, selecting the right torque converter remains a mystery. Unless you have years of experience in the field, it is near impossible to...

Can MLS head gaskets be used with motors setup with o-rings or receiver grooves around the cylinder bores? No. MLS head gaskets require smooth, flat...

COOLANT: The cooling system is one of the most important elements in vehicle operation, yet is not given the attention that other automotive systems...

Diagnosing a Clogged or Partially Restricted Exhaust This involves drilling a small hole {typically 1/8-inch o.d. maximum} in the exhaust pipe ahead...

Diagnosing for Leaking Cylinder Head Gaskets Just a few quick tips: Aside from unusually high coolant temperature {this condition can be one of...

Diagnosing “Noisy” Serpentine Belts Many times, these belts become embedded with dirt and other residue that finds its way into the grooves of...

Disassembling an Engine When disassembling an engine, be sure all rods and main caps are numbered before removing.

Angle Calibration   One of the most misunderstood things in drivetrain technology is understanding the driveshaft angle and what its effects...

Engine Torque Specs DISCLAIMER: This page is not intended to replace the information contained in a factory level service manual and is intended...

Finding Elusive Vacuum Leaks   With the myriad of vacuum lines and hoses found on contemporary vehicles, it’s often difficult to locate pesky...

How to Measure For A Custom Driveshaft   For vehicles with a slide in transmission yoke and a yoke on the differential:      ...

How to Measure For Custom Axles   Front Axle Measurement Guide      Typical measurement with intermediate bar/shaft and axle...

Your car's transmission is having some problems, but you're not sure what's wrong. It's possible that your transmission is fine, but...

Identifying Restricted Radiator Cores Bring the engine up to operating temperature. With the engine still running, slowly pass your hand around and...

Iron VS. Aluminum When pushed to the extreme, it's pretty safe to say that the only advantage of an aluminum block over an iron block is weight...

Jetting Alcohol Engines When jetting alcohol engines, start with what you know is rich. You'll hear a miss or misfire in upper RPM range, or you'll...

Mechanical Roller Lifters When installing mechanical roller lifters, soak them in oil for 30 minutes prior to installation. This will prevent dry...

Numbering Lifters When disassembling an engine, especially on flat-tappet camshafts, make sure each lifter is numbered to go back on the same lobe of...

Protecting the Crankshaft Use some type of protection such as a piece of rubber fuel line hose on rod bolts to prevent scarring journals when...

Proper break-in of your new rotors or pads ensures the maximum performance and durability of the products. The break-in procedure allows the rotors...

Torque converter --- a torque converter is a fluid-coupling device that also acts as a torque multiplier during initial acceleration. The torque...

Valve Replacement When replacing valves, make sure they don't protrude higher in the chamber than your old valve. If they do, you'll have to recheck...

When Changing Cam Degree When changing cam degree, you must recheck valve to piston clearance. Each degree of change effects valve clearance...