Improving Productivity and Quality with the 5S System
By Fernando Curello The need for better and more consistent productivity, quality and overall business results have been the motivation for the automotive manufacturing industry for more than 100 years. There is no doubt that the improved production systems and …
540 CID Big Block Chevy Build – Part 2
Big Block Heaven By Mike Mavrigian NOTE: This article covers our 2021 EREF engine build (part 2 of 3), originally published in our Q3 July-September 2021 issue. Let’s be honest…even considering all of the advanced powerplant choices available today, who …
540 CID Big Block Chevy Build – Part 1
By Mike Mavrigian NOTE: This article covers our 2021 EREF engine build (part 1 of 3), originally published in our Q2 April-June 2021 issue. For this year’s engine build project, we decided to go “old school” and build one of …
Cylinder Head Straightening
By Francisco Aristizabal One of the most frequently asked questions that we receive in the AERA technical department is regarding cylinder head thickness specifications and their limits for machining. Before the cylinder head can be reused, the cylinder head thickness …
Interview with a Heavy-duty Diesel Engine Part
By Steve Scott Some engine parts are always looking to be in the limelight, while others quietly do their jobs unnoticed in the background. We are hoping to interview one of those behind-the-scenes parts – the cylinder liner. Q: Excuse …
Using Liquid Nitrogen in the Shop
By Rob Munro As engine builders, we’re always looking for new ways to do things more efficiently to save money. But what about a few tricks to help take the headache factor out of some of those jobs we do? …
The EV Slowdown Has Begun
By Brian Roberts For the last six months of this year, car manufacturers have announced a slowdown in expansion to produce electrified vehicles. Consumer demand has cooled off and most folks who wanted an EV have now purchased one. The …
The Facts About Clamp Load, Torque and Friction
By Chuck Lynch As many of our readers know, AERA has a Tech & Skills Regional Conference program in which AERA members or associate members will host the event. The event usually consists of classroom training, a facility tour, as …
Aluminum Anodizing
Understanding the treatment process By Mike Mavrigian The use of aluminum components during an engine build is common from a standpoint of weight savings and appearance. This can include, but not limited to aluminum pulleys, engine mounting plates, -AN plumbing …
Shop Safety
Do yourself a favor! By Rob Munro So far, 2024 doesn’t seem any different than any other year that I can remember. Then I did the quick math and realized that it’s been 40 years since I started working full-time …
Valvetrain Geometry
Pushrod length is critical By Mike Mavrigian Pushrod length is critical for proper valvetrain geometry and valve travel. If too short, rocker arm contact at the valve will be compromised, the lifter will not be able to maintain lifter contact …
Machine Care and Maintenance
By Andy Kennedy In today’s world the value of the machines that are in some shops can total more than the cost of the building they are in. They are a major investment for any company big or small. The …
GM AFM and DFM Comparison
By Brian Roberts AFM (Active Fuel Management) was introduced in 2007 for the GM LS engine platform. This cylinder deactivation system shuts down 4 of the 8 cylinders on an LS to reduce fuel consumption. The system is controlled by …
Sleeving or Boring?
That’s the question… By Francisco Aristizabal In the overhaul process of current monoblock diesel engines, a frequent question at the time of rebuild of the cylinder/piston assembly is do we sleeve, or do we bore? The answer is always bore …
