Once disassembled, the cylinder heads need to be placed into the hands of the machine shop of your choice for cleaning, assessment, critical measurements, machine work, and assembly. I would advise against taking any shortcuts to save a few dollars here, and trusting your machine shop is a great idea. Over the years, I’ve heard […]

The heart of any engine is its rotating assembly, consisting of the crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, vibration damper, and flywheel. All of these pieces will need cleaning, careful inspection, and in some cases machine work during the rebuilding process. Starting at the front and working toward the back, you should first take a careful look […]

Measuring the block’s critical dimensions will determine if it remains within the tolerances recommended by the manufacturer. If the cylinder bores remain concentric and show no excessive taper, you may be able to get away with just honing them. But keep in mind that during the honing process, material is being removed from the cylinder […]

The various parts and components of your engine have now been cleaned, inspected, and measured where necessary to determine if they remain within factory tolerances or will require machine work to return them to specification. This is the time to assess where your project stands and in what direction you wish to proceed. Is your […]

At this point, you should have what would appear to the uninitiated as a large number of random, very dirty auto parts. The various components of your engine rebuild project now need a thorough inspection and cleaning to reveal any damage and to determine which parts will need to be replaced and which may be […]

With the engine out of the car, the time for disassembly has finally arrived. Once again, proper planning and preparation will make the task go much smoother. SAFETY FIRST! Getting your engine securely bolted to a good quality engine stand in a clean, well-lit area of your workspace is of the utmost importance. Remember, even […]

The key word here is safety. Keep in mind that you’re about to jack up a vehicle weighing nearly two tons, disconnect lines carrying hazardous, potentially flammable liquids, and ultimately lift a 700-plus-pound engine off its mounts. Proper planning and preparation is a must. Make sure your vehicle is on a level surface, and then […]

Before getting started I’d like to quote a simple statement that, in my experience, will make this and any other automotive job an easier, more pleasant, and rewarding undertaking for you: “Plan your work and work your plan.” When deciding your degree of involvement in your engine rebuild, consider two things: first, the time and […]

There are a number of factors involved in deciding if your engine needs a rebuild. This chapter covers the symptoms associated with a worn-out engine and the simple diagnostics involved in making an informed decision as to whether your engine needs to be rebuilt. High Mileage While engines with 100,000 or more miles will certainly […]