rear of the block and the saddle, as well as in the cylinders. The
magnetic power is applied near an electrified magnet that is moved
around the engine to where the powder is applied. The powder will
gather into any cracks with the magnet nearby, and the concentration of
red powder in the cracks makes them obvious. Fortunately, this engine
passes the magnafluxing test with flying colors, as no cracks were
exposed.
A machinist’s straight edge is placed in the saddle where the
crankshaft rides to check for warpage of the block.Since the magnetic red dust is actually little pieces of metal shavings,
they must be removed in the caustic tank. If the dust is not completely
removed, it can wreak the same havoc on a rebuilt engine as the metal
material in the shot blaster. Once the clean engine is removed from the
caustic bath, Herman checks the deck and saddle for warpage with a
machinist’s straight edge. The straight edge is laid across these parts at
various angles and positions and Herman searches for gaps between the
engine and the straight edge. Again, this engine block passes the test,
making it a good candidate for rebuilding.
Unfortunately, the cylinder heads, which were rebuilt just 6,000 miles