Future technician engine overhauls (pics)

These engines were built by my students that started their training this past fall. I'm pretty proud of their success. The orange Chrysler 383 Big Block had to have the pistons beat out and at first I thought I had made a mistake by letting it come in. The green 400 Chrysler Big Block is already back in a truck and running. We go down to bare block and magnaflux, install new cam bearings and go over the entire rotating assembly. We also teach them to overhaul cylinder heads. We cut seats and valve faces after magnaflux/dye penetrant testing. We also check heads for out of flat.

Here's the other one. Gerard

Sounds more like mechanics than technicians; I think a technician would've just replaced the engine..........instead of rebuilding it.

Excellent!! Even with all the electronic gizmos and doo-dads on todays cars, someone still needs to know how to rebuild the engines. May not be very much call anymore to rebuild todays car engines, but there are still a bunch of industrial applications where a good MECHANIC can find work.

Cool looking engines. I've been a auto tech for over 15 years. I wish there was still some call for that, I love building engines. The market for that at the shop level just isn't there. You can't beat the Jasper 3yr 100K warranty for the price. Auto work is mostly chasing squeaks, rattles and intermittents for free. Have you warned your students how they will be "compensated" for their time? I wish someone had warned me.

Yep not much of a demand for old school V8's anymore.

I still feel that all students should learn about the engines that got us here today. I also think they should have the personal diagnostic skills, as well as knowing how to use the instruments and tools for rebuilding. Many may call it a waste of time, but there is still a place for these folks, even though not in a big demand. I work on Harley's in my shop at home. I specialize in the older models. The dealerships usually won't touch them, and some of the independent shops won't either. The parts are available, but most want to work on the non-leakers, and quiet engines. I can still do the auto engines, and do most of the machine work myself. But, that was taught as I was growing up, and coming into the business. I figured when I first dealt with the Early Ford electronic systems, we would be headed for something similar to what we have now, but never the nightmare it has become. I switched to body work as my main source of income, and was always told that body men, and undertakers would always have work.... Nope, I was laid off in August, and it looks like the 60 year old business may be going all the way under. I have 3 friends who have funeral homes. One has a crematory, so the other two are losing business to him.... I'm fortunate that I have an area to work, and there are folks who like the old Harley's, and the old Ford's and Chevy's. My advice, is to learn ALL there is, and as far back as you can, it may be the only way to live at some time in your career.
Paul N Texas

Looks good. People do need to remember tho... it's not so much about building the engine as it is about learning some core skills on a project of interest. Sometimes you just have to do something to say you did it too. I'm sure when they get to understand the basics from a project like this it will help down the road with diagnostics on the newer stuff.

Rod

Where is that engine? I have a 68 Barracuda that needs a transplant.

Gordo

While youre at it, build me a 5.0 for my F150! 1989 BTW. I would prefer Ford grey on the block please!

I'm glad to see someone is still teaching how to build engines. Everyone talks about all the electronics on engines today but you still need to know the basics of how it operates. alot of the trade schools do not teach this anymore.

A trade school one county away has all 4 cyl. Chevy engines to take apart. They don't even go through the heads. I disagree with this completely. It's not just about the overhaul, it allows students to see how everything is inter-related. It is an intense course especially with all the new technology, but they have to learn it to be successful. We have taken on many different engine styles which exposes the students to different ways of doing things.

Oh... I don't know John. I'm partial to Allis Chalmers. I'm going to paint several retro metal lawn chairs I have orange. My wife just gives me the ole eye roll. Kids too. Life's too short though. Gerard

I usually have to force them to get picky about their work. It's all in the details as they say. Gerard

good lookin' filter on that 383!!napaguy

gerard,what kind of paint did you use on the 400? napaguy

The student is going to put it into a 72 Challanger. It unfortunately does not have the rallye hood because it's got a 318 in it now which was stock.

Napaguy, I don't know what brand. He came in one day with light green paint and asked if he could paint it. They wire brushed the block exterior and painted it-no primer. His valve covers (not shown) were painted black and hand stenciled by his girl friend. Gerard

Sprint, I agree to an extent. While they may not do many complete overhauls they will do heads, timing chains, intake gaskets "etc". They learn all these skills in one class.

Great looking engines. Make sure the students understan electricity. Don't make high tech like some books. Compare elect to hydraulics, alot of the same rules and or laws. Know the terms, the tools and how to read an electrical wiring diagram. When reading the diagram develope ypur own diagnositic chart for a given problem. I have been doing some diagnostic work for a fleet and 75% of the calls invloved electric diagnostic work. Good luck with your projects.