Episode 23 – Engine Testing

Steve and Chuck continue from their last episode on engine assembly to engine testing. Now that the engine is assembled, they discuss what the next steps are for testing the engine to make sure that there are no leaks and everything is running smoothly. They also recap recent industry events, as well as announce the upcoming retirement of one of AERA’s long-tenured employees.

Episode 22 – Engine Assembly

Steve and Chuck provide some important tips to consider when assembling an engine. Recap of the Liberty regional conference as well as a preview of the CWT conference where attendees get a chance to win an engine balancing machine!

Episode 21 – Engine Warranty

It has been a while as AERA has been very busy with travel and trade shows, but the guys are back! Steve and Chuck discuss the SEMA and PRI shows as well as the 100-year celebration at the Engine Professional VIP Party during PRI. Engine Warranty is the topic of discussion this month and the importance of educating your customers on the warranty and getting all the information you can if there is a comeback. In our history segment: the first diesel trip in the US was an 800-mile trip from Indianapolis to New York on just $1.38 of fuel in January of 1930.

Episode 20 – Engine Analysis

Steve and Chuck, along with special guest Dan Begle from MAHLE, discuss engine analysis.  Dan tells us about when he worked in the NASCAR world doing engine analysis, documenting his findings, and why this is important. They also answer tech questions received on the AERA techline that deal with surface finish for head gaskets and gasket thickness. For the history segment this month, they take a look at when the Small Block Chevy came to life and how big was it!

Episode 19 – Compression Ratio

In this episode, Steve and Chuck introduce a new segment of the podcast called “Ask The Tech” where they take questions received on the AERA techline and explain the answers. This episode is on compression ratio, understanding what it is and how a machining process can change the compression ratio. Our history segment covers an invention that we all probably like in our vehicles – the cruise control!

Episode 18 – Fernando Curello

Steve and Chuck introduce you to AERA’s newest technical specialist, Fernando Curello. Fernando comes from the manufacturing side of our industry but has a vast knowledge of engine building – and he speaks Spanish. Junior Johnson makes our history segment for the month of June with his moonshine and NASCAR history.

Episode 17 – Small Diesel Engine Opportunities

Steve and Chuck interview Paul Kelly from Maxiforce Engine Parts, who supplies diesel engine parts, about the opportunities that are out there for machine shops in the small-bore diesel engine market. Paul enlightens everyone about how one engine can be used in several different pieces of equipment from one manufacturer. Also, this month’s history segment pertains to the Indianapolis 500 and how one of our longtime associate members participated in the Indianapolis 500 in the early years.

Episode 16 – API Engine Oils

Chuck Lynch and Dave Hagen interview Jeff Harmening from the American Petroleum Institute (API). Jeff explains licensing of engine oils, proper storage and handling, engine oil specifications, diesel engine oils, and what should engine builders expect with new engine oils. Steve and Chuck also discuss the Ford Flathead V8 engine during the history segment of the podcast. They also let you know about the upcoming AERA Regional Tech & Skills Conferences.

Episode 15 – Magnetism

Chuck and guest co-host Dave Hagen, AERA’s Senior Technician (filling in for Steve for this episode), discuss how parts can become magnetized and how to demagnetize those parts. February is the month of NASCAR as the Daytona 500 kicks off the 2022 season, so they also cover the formation of NASCAR. Plus, one little nugget about the 2021 Ford Bronco Engine!

Episode 14 – Incoming Part Inspection

Steve and Chuck discuss the importance of inspecting and checking your incoming parts before you start to assemble that engine. Making sure that that the parts you ordered are correct by taking measurements and comparing is a vital step in making sure that engine runs and last. Also discussed is the finishing of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway which was completed in December of 1909. Take a listen and learn a little history as well as checking and inspecting parts coming into the machine shop!