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.