Common Causes of Heavy-Duty Engine Failures
Rewarding. Frustrating. Worthwhile. Or somewhere in between… By Steve Scott Failure analysis of heavy-duty diesel and natural gas engines can be one of the most rewarding—or most maddening—parts of the job. Some failures practically diagnose themselves, while others seem determined …
Diesel Engine Failure Analysis Theory
By Francisco Aristizabal Failure analysis theory in internal combustion engines occurs in stages and is a detailed process that allows you to identify in a scientific way the root causes of the failures. Engine operation conditions must be considered, the …
Artifical Intelligence and Its Use In Specification Retrieval
By Brian Roberts In the demanding field of engine rebuilding, precision is paramount. An engine rebuild requires strict adherence to manufacturer specifications, be it torque settings, surface roughness, or clearance tolerances. Traditionally, machinists have relied on printed manuals and individual …
The 5.0L Coyote
Howl at the moon! By Steve Fox The Coyote is a 5.0 liter, naturally aspirated V8 engine from Ford and is used in the Mustang and F150 truck. Featuring a dual overhead cam (DOHC) design, in a V configuration, the …
Performance Roller Rockers and Lifters
By Mike Mavrigian ROLLER ROCKERSThis refers to rockers that feature both a needle bearing trunnion pivot and a roller wheel for valve tip contact. Full-roller rocker arms reduce friction and provide a more accurate means of valve control and stability …
Hybrid Dominance in Japan
A practical perspective on EVs By Charles Navarro On a recent trip to Japan, I was eager to see the variety of vehicles on the road, hoping to spot some JDM classics. What I found instead was a clear trend: …
Understanding the New ILSAC GF-7 Motor Oil Category
Q&A with Pennzoil and API By Sean Nguyen and Bill O’Ryan The automotive industry is advancing once again with the introduction of the ILSAC GF-7 motor oil category, officially licensed on March 31, 2025. This new standard improves engine protection, …
Engine Failure Mystery
One engine, 15 photos, and the unexpected culprit behind a devastating failure By Steve Scott They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but what you’re about to see isn’t quite what you would expect from a freshly rebuilt …
Diesel Engine Diagnosis, Part 2
Looking for better clues By Francisco Aristizabal All diesel engines need an unrestricted, constant supply of clean air to run properly and efficiently. As combustion occurs, exhaust gas forces drive a turbocharger; therefore, air intake / exhaust gas system must …
Leave No Stone Unturned
Strategies for overcoming the engine machinist shortage By Rob Munro It’s no secret that finding good people to train as engine builders right now is not an easy task. The automotive industry is facing a significant challenge: a shortage of …
To Grind Or Not To Grind
By Chuck Lynch The engine rebuilding industry has long been a great example of being conscientious recyclers. We kind of pioneered the Green Movements as we have always tried to save as many resources as possible to repair and reuse …
Decoding Crankshaft Failures
What went wrong? By Jim Dettore (As previously published in Gas Compression Magazine) Delve into the intricacies of problem discovery as we traverse the landscapes of innovation and craftsmanship to encounter the enigmatic failures of gas compression components — those …
LS Cam Bearing Challenges
By Mike Mavrigian Replacing cam bearings in a factory LS block can be easy, or it can turn into a can of worms. Granted, this article likely will not answer all questions or address every possible issue, but we’ll make …
Camshaft Grinding
By Andy Kennedy In 1941, Jack Engle built one of the first known cam grinders. He used a bench top lathe, a tool post grinder and a homemade rocking table to make the grinder. Today, cam grinders are more advanced …
