Engine Professional Podcast

The conversation covers a range of topics, including sports, historical events, industry events, and technical discussions about valve guides and engine performance. It transitions from casual banter to more technical and industry-specific content, providing insights into various aspects of the automotive and engineering fields. The conversation delves into the modern lubrication methods for engine valve guides, the manufacturing process of valve guides, the materials and applications, guide sizing and lubrication, and the importance of valve guide quality and concentricity.

Join us as we explore the upcoming High Performance Expo in Charlotte, NC, featuring industry leaders, racing events, and educational opportunities for engine builders and motorsports enthusiasts. Discover how face-to-face networking, innovative technology, and industry collaborations are shaping the future of automotive performance.

In this conversation, AERA discusses various aspects of quality control, pricing strategies, and community engagement within the machine shop industry. They emphasize the importance of establishing proper pricing, understanding labor costs, and the need for knowledge transfer among technicians. The discussion also highlights the significance of building sustainable business models and maintaining customer relationships in a competitive market. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of focusing on core competencies to maximize profitability, the role of management software in enhancing efficiency, and the need for businesses to embrace technology to remain competitive.

In this engaging podcast episode, Rob and Chuck discuss the latest updates in the engine rebuilding industry with AERA President Jim Rickoff. They explore the importance of networking, the growth of heavy-duty diesel, and the evolution of the Engine Professional magazine. Jim shares insights on the EREF's role in providing educational resources and scholarships, as well as his personal journey in balancing work and passion. The conversation highlights the value of community and collaboration in the industry, along with future training initiatives and the significance of accurate information in engine rebuilding.

In this episode of the Engine Professional Podcast, hosts Rob Munro and Chuck Lynch discuss the latest trends in diesel repair and engine machining, highlighting the busy tech line and the shift towards industrial work in engine shops. They share insights from recent industry shows like PRI, SEMA & AAPEX, emphasizing the importance of networking and quality over quantity in business interactions. Guest Jeff Baldwin from Baldwin Racing Engines discusses his experience in engine building, the evolution of technology in the field, and the challenges faced in building engines for demolition derbies. The conversation also touches on the role of AERA and the EREF engine project, culminating in a discussion about the future of engine building and racing.There is a video podcast available for this episode – watch it here:https://youtu.be/mly4_Vypu1A

In this podcast episode, Rob and Chuck discuss the intricacies of piston failures, exploring their causes, analysis techniques, and the importance of cleanliness in engine rebuilding. They delve into specific case studies, emphasizing the role of contamination and the significance of the failure analysis manual as a resource for understanding and diagnosing piston-related issues. The conversation also touches on the phenomenon of cold seizures in pistons, particularly in power sports, and concludes with a call for listener engagement and future topics. There is a video podcast available for this episode – watch it here:https://youtu.be/uvpzrB4sFvQ

In this episode of the Engine Professional Podcast, hosts Chuck and Rob discuss various updates in the automotive industry, including new features in Prosis Pro, recent regional conferences, and the importance of networking within the engine building community. They welcome Sean Nguyen, a technical scientist and automotive lubricant specialist from Pennzoil, who shares insights on the new GF7 oil standard, its benefits for engine protection, and the significance of oil chemistry in modern engines. The conversation emphasizes the importance of regular oil maintenance and the challenges posed by oil shear in contemporary automotive technology. There is a video podcast available for this episode – watch it here:https://youtu.be/nFiiC4x5et4

In this episode of the Engine Professional Podcast, hosts Chuck and Rob discuss various topics related to the engine machining industry, including the importance of social media for showcasing member shops, the benefits of custom training events, and the availability of scholarships for machinists. In this conversation, Rob and Chuck delve into the intricacies of valve springs, discussing their dynamics, the importance of matching springs with retainers, and the impact of shot peening on longevity. They emphasize the necessity of visual and pressure testing for valve springs, the critical step of measuring before machining, and the challenges posed by modern valve train designs. The discussion highlights the often-overlooked importance of valve springs in engine performance and reliability. There is a video podcast available for this episode – watch it here:https://youtu.be/QFdvvCes8mE

In this episode, Chuck and Rob discuss their recent activities, including engaging youth in engine education at a homeschool conference, the importance of custom training programs for members, and upcoming events in the automotive education sector. They also introduce guests Todd Richardson and Drew Barnes from NACAT (North American Council of Automotive Teachers), who share insights on supporting automotive instructors and the benefits of membership. The conversation explores the challenges and strategies in automotive education, focusing on student recruitment, the importance of hands-on learning, and the need for collaboration between educational institutions and the automotive industry. The speakers discuss the evolving landscape of the industry, the significance of networking, and the necessity of teaching foundational skills to prepare students for successful careers. There is a video podcast available for this episode – watch it here:https://youtu.be/WU3zITgs2Q0

In this episode, hosts Chuck and Rob discuss the evolution of communication technology, the importance of networking and learning opportunities through upcoming events, and the technical support they provide to their members. They delve into common technical issues faced by engine professionals, best practices for engine assembly, and the significance of accurate engine specifications. The episode concludes with a call for listener engagement and suggestions for future topics.There is a video podcast available for this episode – watch it here:https://youtu.be/J12fVASUOlk

In this episode, hosts Chuck, Rob, and Steve discuss the latest happenings in the engine rebuilding industry, including reflections on recent events like the EPIC conference and PRI show. They introduce new co-host Rob Munro, share insights on innovative diagnostic techniques, and highlight the success of their engine giveaway. The episode also covers upcoming events, the importance of continuing education, and the future direction of the podcast. There is a video podcast available for this episode – watch it here:https://youtu.be/EvtRE6aHn4k

In this episode, Chuck Lynch interviews Phil Esz, the owner of Ultrasonic LLC, about the world of ultrasonic cleaning. Phil shares his background in the industry and how he got started in ultrasonic cleaning. He discusses the different machines and technologies he has developed over the years, including side-mounted transducers and agitation, and emphasizes the importance of using the right detergents and temperatures for effective cleaning. There is a video podcast available for this episode – watch it here:https://youtu.be/XzpVDDdGeks

In this episode of the Engine Professional Podcast, Steve and Chuck discuss the addition of a new team member, Andy Kennedy, and upcoming regional conferences. They then dive into the topic of parts cleaning, focusing on the challenges and best practices for cleaning cast iron and aluminum parts. They discuss different cleaning methods such as thermal cleaning, hot tanks with caustic chemicals, and soaking and touch on the importance of regular cleaning and the factors to consider when determining how often to clean or dump the cleaning solution. In this conversation, Steve and Chuck discuss the challenges of disposing of cleaning chemicals properly and the importance of checking with local officials for regulations. There is a video podcast available for this episode – watch it here:https://youtu.be/PBU2tQJLizw

In this episode, Steve and Chuck discuss the difference between dry and wet sleeves, as well as replacement cylinder liners. A recap of the PRI and HDAW shows – including who won the 2023 EREF Engine Giveaway!

Steve and Chuck discuss all the happenings at PRI involving AERA. Starting with EPIC – the Engine Professional Industry Conference on Wednesday, December 6; the EREF Engine Giveaway; as well as the VIP Party on Friday evening. You will not want to miss all that is happening at PRI this year for AERA!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Steve and Chuck discuss the AERA Engine Machinist Online Training and Certification Program with AERA’s Rob Munro and special guest Dave Capitolo, who is an instructor from De Anza College. Dave goes into detail about how he uses the program in his classroom to help teach engine rebuilding. The group discusses the program and how it can benefit you moving forward when looking for job placement in the engine machining/building industry. Steve and Chuck also discuss the BOSS 302 and everything happening at the upcoming PRI Show for AERA!

Steve and Chuck take a deep dive into why you should use a torque plate when honing the cylinder block and its importance. Also, do you know which car manufacturer and model just hit the 50 million mark in sales? They will inform you as well as which engine hit the 2 million production mark in 1955. Take a listen and subscribe to the Engine Professional podcast!

Steve and Chuck talk with Randy Neal from CWT Industries about the importance of balancing engine components. Randy goes into detail about balancing and why it is so important. Take a listen and subscribe to the Engine Professional Podcast!

Steve and Chuck talk with Lake Speed Jr from Total Seal Piston Rings about Tribology and what it is, piston rings and bore sealing. But before the discussion with Lake, they take a step back in time to enlighten the listeners on some history for July when the first Ford vehicle sold back in 1903!

Steve and Chuck discuss important precautions that should be looked at during engine break in. Making sure your engine is broken in correctly and properly will help make that newly rebuilt engine last longer.

Steve and Chuck interview Norris Marshall of Blueprint Engines in Nebraska about the importance of engine blueprinting. Norris shares how he got started in the business as well as some key points when blueprinting an engine.

Steve Fox, Chuck Lynch and special guest AERA Senior Technical Specialist Dave Hagen discuss the evolvement of the diesel engine — older diesel engines compared to the newer diesel engines and how things have changed over the years.  

Steve, Chuck and special guest AERA Tech Specialist Brian Roberts discuss AERA Tech Bulletin TB2997 (Proper Use and Installation of Torque-to-Yield Head Bolts) and expand upon that by covering the important topic of fasteners in today’s engines.

Chuck and Steve discuss the importance of taking measurements during disassembly of engine components, as well as making notes. Taking the time to follow these procedures will make engine assembly go a lot easier.

In this episode, Steve and Chuck discuss the importance of machine maintenance along with AERA’s online training program and the AERA Super Webinar happening on November 20.

AERA’s Rob Munro joins Chuck and Steve in this episode covering how to promote your business through social media. Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are the three main platforms used in our industry. Listen to learn more about how you can use any of these platforms to help grow your business.

Steve and Chuck cover some of the basics of promoting your business to your customers. First impressions are lasting impressions, especially in this industry. Use these tips to help make your business the best it can be.

AERA staffers Steve Fox and Chuck Lynch introduce themselves and give an overview of AERA Engine Builders Association and all the benefits it has to offer its members.