Knowledge Base
Searchable, per-topic automotive answers extracted from build dialogue
Knowledge base results
How do I prime hydraulic lifters before installation?
Priming procedures vary by lifter manufacturer; common methods include soaking lifters in engine oil, using a priming tool, or repeatedly actuating them in oil to remove air. Follow the lifter…
What torque sequence and values should I use for SBC 350 heads?
Follow the head manufacturer or engine manual for the correct torque sequence and values. Typical multi-stage torqueing is used (e.g., incremental steps then final angle for TTY bolts), but exact…
How can I tell if a lifter is the correct type for my cam?
Check the cam profile and the cam manufacturer's recommendation—some cams require roller lifters while others use flat tappet lifters. Verify lifter internal design (hydraulic vs mechanical) and…
What signs indicate a problem after installing heads and lifters?
Noisy valvetrain (ticking or clacking), low oil pressure, or inability to rotate the engine by hand can indicate improper assembly, incorrect lifter seating, wrong pushrod lengths, or torquing…
What maintenance is required to keep the runtime optimal?
Routine maintenance includes keeping blades sharp, checking tire pressure, maintaining battery charge and storage habits, and following manufacturer service intervals to preserve runtime and battery…
How do I know when the pushrod length is correct?
The correct length results in proper rocker contact centered on the rocker pad or roller and the correct lifter preload or valve lash per the lifter/rocker manufacturer's procedure. Use an adjustable…
How tight should rocker nuts be?
Torque rocker nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque value for your rocker assembly and stud type. For hydraulic lifters follow the recommended preload procedure rather than a single torque-only…
What usually causes the active exhaust rattle on a Scat Pack?
Most commonly it's a loose or worn exhaust valve linkage bushing or a loose fastener on the actuator—rarely the actuator motor itself. Vibrations allow metal-on-metal contact that sounds like a…
How long does the repair take?
For a DIYer with basic tools, expect about 60–90 minutes from lift to test drive if only tightening or replacing a small bushing/hardware. Replacing the actuator can take longer if bolts are corroded.
Can I reuse the old springs with new strut cartridges?
You can if the springs are in good condition, but you must use a proper spring compressor to safely transfer them. The video suggests replacing worn mounts and inspecting springs for corrosion or…
What if the strut-to-knuckle bolts are seized?
Apply penetrating oil and let it soak, use an impact wrench or breaker bar, and be prepared to replace damaged fasteners. The video shows seized bolts as an unexpected issue that added time to the…
How difficult is this job for a DIYer?
The job is intermediate to advanced due to the need for a spring compressor, heavy components, and potential for seized hardware. The video demonstrates it is doable in a home garage but may present…
How much extra clearance will custom fender wells give me?
Clearance gained depends on how much metal you remove and how large the fabricated tubs are. Typically builders gain several inches of clearance for wider wheels/tires and increased suspension…
What materials and thickness should I use for the tubs?
Common choices are 18–20 gauge mild steel for fabricating tubs; stainless or aluminum are options but require different welding techniques. Thicker metal is stronger but harder to shape—18 gauge is a…
How do I prevent rust where I cut and weld?
Clean and prime all bare metal immediately, use an epoxy or self-etch primer, seam sealer on joints, and consider an undercoating or bedliner in the wheel well. Regular inspections and touch-ups will…
Can I use an F100 driveshaft in my '65 Mustang?
Yes, a donor F100 driveshaft can be repurposed if shortened and refitted with the correct yoke/flange and U-joints. You must verify spline/yoke compatibility or use a welded flange to match the…
What size U-joints do I need?
You need U-joints that match the yoke dimensions used on the modified shaft and the vehicle's companion flange. The video recommends measuring the yoke width and bearing cap diameter and sourcing the…
How do I determine the correct driveshaft length?
Measure center-to-center or slip-yoke engagement distance on the vehicle at ride height with the suspension sagged. Allow safe slip travel (usually 1–2 inches) to avoid bottoming out under suspension…
How often should I change the oil on the Cub Cadet Ultima Z2 54?
For new mowers a first service is often recommended after the initial few hours of use (video covers 5-hour service), then follow the owner's manual—commonly every 50 hours or once per season for…
What gauge of steel should I use for custom fender wells?
Typical practice is 18 gauge (around 1/16") for inner wheelwell and patch panels to match OEM thickness and maintain formability. Heavier steel makes shaping and welding more difficult and can add…
How do you prevent warping when welding large panels?
Use short stitch welding or tack welds spaced apart to pull the panel in gradually, allow cooling between welds, and use clamps or fixtures. Grinding and planishing can also help, and using a…
What finish work is needed after welding the new wells?
Grind and blend welds, apply body filler to smooth transitions if necessary, then seam seal all joints and prime with corrosion-resistant primer. Final paint or undercoating and reinstallation of…
How much wheel/tire clearance gain can I expect?
The clearance gained depends on how much metal you remove and how the new well is formed; typical gains range from a fraction of an inch to several inches depending on the cut and fabrication.…
What safety precautions are important?
Wear eye and hearing protection, gloves, and a respirator when grinding or welding. Support the vehicle securely on jack stands, disconnect the battery before welding near wiring, and shield brake…
How do I know the timing marks are aligned correctly?
Align the marked links on the chain to the timing marks on the cam and crank sprockets per the timing set instructions. After assembly, rotate the engine two full revolutions and recheck alignment.…
What torque specs should I use for the cam thrust plate and timing cover?
Use the factory torque specifications for the SBC 350. If the spec isn't available, refer to the cam/thrust plate manufacturer's instructions. Over-torquing can warp parts; under-torquing can allow…
How do I check cam endplay?
Use a dial indicator or a set of feeler gauges with a straightedge and pry tool to measure endplay after installing the thrust plate. Compare to the cam manufacturer's specified endplay range and…
What bearing clearance should I aim for on a Small Block Chevy 350?
Typical rod bearing clearance targets are around 0.0015 to 0.0035 inches for street SBC builds, but exact specs depend on the bearing manufacturer's tolerances and crank journal finish. Use the…
Can I reuse the existing rod bolts?
If stock bolts are in good condition and within the manufacturer's reuse specs they may be reused, but many builders replace rod bolts with new aftermarket high-strength bolts (like ARP) because they…
How does Plastigauge work and is it accurate enough?
Plastigauge is a quick, accurate method to check oil clearance by flattening a calibrated strip between the bearing and journal. It is widely used for assembly checks; however, for final precision…
What torque should I use for rod bolts?
Torque values vary by bolt and rod type. Stock bolt specs and ARP bolt torque/angle specs are different—follow the rod or bolt manufacturer's published torque and additional angle requirements. If…
What should I do if a measured clearance is out of spec?
If clearance is too tight or too loose, stop assembly. Options include trying a different bearing size/thickness, machining the crank journals (undersize bearings) or replacing the crank, or changing…
What torque specs should I use for oil pump, timing cover and oil pan bolts?
Use the manufacturer's torque specs for the specific hardware. Typical ranges: oil pump bolts ~20-30 ft-lbs, timing cover bolts ~15-25 ft-lbs, oil pan bolts ~10-20 ft-lbs. Verify with a Chevy SBC…
How do I know the oil pump pickup is positioned correctly?
The pickup screen should be a few millimeters above the bottom of the oil pan rail (not touching the pan) and securely fastened with no leaks at its flange. Confirm clearance and that the pickup…
What do I do if I see RTV squeeze-out into oil passages?
Remove excess RTV carefully with a shop rag or by disassembling if necessary; avoid leaving blobs that could break off and circulate. Preventative measure: apply moderate, even bead and avoid…
Why do you file piston rings instead of buying pre-gapped rings?
Many rings must be filed to match the specific bore diameter and application to achieve correct end gap at operating temperature. Pre-gapped rings may not match your precise bore size or intended oil…
How much end gap should I aim for on a SBC 350?
Typical end gaps for a small block Chevy 350 depend on bore size and application; common values are around 0.015"–0.025" for standard applications. Always check the ring manufacturer's recommended…
How much material should I remove when filing a ring?
Remove very small amounts and recheck frequently. It's safer to file a little and re-measure than to over-file. Typically you remove only a few thousandths of an inch per iteration until the desired…
What if my main clearances are out of spec?
If clearances are too tight or too loose, you can change to a different bearing thickness (undersize or oversize shells where applicable) or machine journals/replace bearings as required. Excessive…
What does 'throwing curveballs' mean for the project?
It means the car presented multiple unexpected problems as work progressed — things like hidden rust, electrical gremlins, fuel delivery issues, or seized hardware that weren't obvious at first…
How do I know if the fuel pump is bad on a 1965 Mustang?
Symptoms include weak or no fuel delivery, engine sputter under load, or external fuel leakage. You can test by checking fuel pressure/flow at the carburetor or listening for pump operation when…
What were the most critical problems found on the test drive?
The video highlights ignition/fuel problems (misfires, hesitation), braking performance issues (soft pedal, worn hardware), steering/suspension play, exhaust leaks, and possible charging/battery…
Can these issues be fixed cheaply or will it cost a lot?
Some fixes are inexpensive tune-up items (plugs, wires, filter), while others like fuel pump, shocks, clutch or a new alternator can be moderate to higher cost. Estimated parts in this plan total…
How do I know if the leak is from the oil pump or the tank?
Visually trace where oil accumulates: if oil pools under the reservoir or around the fill cap the tank or cap gasket is likely at fault; oil trailing toward the bar or leaking from the lower housing…
Can I fix the leak without buying a new pump?
Often cleaning the pump, replacing small O-rings and the feed tubing, and reseating the fill cap will stop leaks. Replace the pump only if cleaning and seal replacements don't restore proper oil…
How much does it typically cost to repair an oil leak on a Ryobi 40V chainsaw?
Minor repairs using O-rings, tubing, and seals can be under $20. Replacing the oil pump or guide bar/chain will increase cost — a full set of parts for this kind of repair typically runs around…
How can I get the same calming audio experience from my mower videos?
Use a stable camera mount, avoid excessive wind noise (windshields or low-wind microphones help), record at steady throttle/settings, and capture blade/engine tones by placing the mic or camera at a…
How do I tell if the problem is fuel pressure and not ignition or carburetor tuning?
Measure fuel pressure with a gauge while the engine is running and during cranking. Low or rapidly fluctuating pressure points to fuel delivery; ignition/car issues usually show as misfires, lack of…
What safety precautions should I take when working on the fuel system?
Work in a well-ventilated area, keep sparks and open flames away, disconnect the battery before major work, have a fire extinguisher handy, and use proper containers/absorbents to catch fuel. Support…
Can a shifter bushing really cause a no-crank condition?
Yes. If the shifter bushing is worn or disconnected the transmission selector may not be in PARK/NEUTRAL even though the console shows it, preventing the neutral safety switch/PRNDL sensor from…
Looking for the complete, unfiltered list? See the full Q&A archive.