The 4-Cylinder Engine Short Block High-Performance Manual

Des Hammill has a background in precision engineering and places great emphasis on accuracy. Des has vast experience of building all types of engine for many categories of motor racing. Having lived in many countries around the world, Des and his wife, Alison, currently live in Devon, England.

• IntroductionRpm limitationsPistonsCrankshaftConnecting rodsCamshaft drivesBalancingOil pumpSump (oil pan)Using this bookEssential informationChapter 1. Buying a standard used engineChecking engine conditionSummary of checksChapter 2. Buying a used high-performance engineWhat to check in unused/rebuilt enginesChapter 3. Choosing replacement partsPistonsCast pistonsForged pistonsPiston ringsTop ringSecond ringThree-piece oil control ringSummaryMain & connecting rod bearingsCamshaft bearings (in-block cams)Connecting rod boltsStuds & nutsGasketsO-ringing blocksChapter 4. Plain bearing basicsBearing tunnelsBearing shell location tabsFitting main bearing shellsFitting big end bearingsChapter 5. Cylinder block - checkingChecking main bearing tunnel sizesCheck fitting main bearing shellsChecking bearing crushMeasuring main bearing inside diametersChapter 6. Cylinder block - preparationCleaning componentsCast iron componentsAluminium componentsPreparation before cleaningCleaning after parts have been in the tankCrack & porosity testingIron blocksAluminium blocksThreaded holesSummaryDrain tapStrapping welch (freeze) & camshaft plugsBlock deckingReboringCylinder block boring machinesFinal block detailingInstall camshaft bearings (if applicable)Machined surface protectionChapter 7. Connecting rods - preparationPiston pin retention and little endsCirclip piston pin retentionInterference fit piston pin retentionConnecting rod big end tunnel resizingBig end bore honingConnecting rod boltsChecking connecting rod bolts for stretchAftermarket connecting rodsBearing crushOptimum big end bearing clearanceBig end bearing diametersChapter 8. CrankshaftChecking the crankshaftCrankshaft preparationCrankshaft regrindingCheck fitting the connecting rods to the crankshaftFlywheel dowellingChapter 9. Engine balancePiston setsConnecting rodsCrankshaftFlywheelsCrankshaft dampersChapter 10. Camshaft & liftersUsed camshaftsReground camshaftsLiftersSummaryChapter 11. Crankshaft - check fittingCamshaft installation (if in block)Crankshaft installationThrust bearings`Check fitting' the crankshaft to the blockChapter 12. Timing chainFitting timing chainsCamshaft timingAccurate valve timingChapter 13. Valve reliefs & fitting pistons to connecting rodsPiston valve reliefsAccurate valve relief locationValve relief diametersFitting pistons to connecting rodsInterference fit piston pinsCirclip retained piston pinsChapter 14. Pistons & connecting rods - installationPiston ringsMeasuring end gapsAltering ring gapsSide clearanceRadial depth of the ring grooveFitting rings to pistonsOil control ringsCompression ringsChapter 15. Camshaft & ignition timing marksChecking top dead centreIgnition timing marksCamshaft timing marksDegree marking the crankshaft pulleyChecking camshaft timing (in-block cams)Chapter 16. Oiling systemStock sumps (oil pans)Windage tray & baffleIncreasing oil capacityAluminium sumpsEngine installation angleOil pumpsCrankcase ventilationOil & filterChapter 17. ConclusionStarting and running-in a rebuilt engineChecking used oil & the filterEngine inspection with sump (oil pan) removedValve sear recessionPostscriptIndex