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There are a lot of tools that are good to have, then there are the ones that you really should have. Here’s the list of should haves for an engine project:
1) Dial indicator with base, preferably magnetic or an easy to use clamp type base.
2) Degree wheel - for finding top dead center and for degreeing your camshaft. The bigger the diameter the more accurate the wheel.
3) Ring compressor - either the band style, or I prefer the tapered bowl. The band style works fine, but can give a hard time, the bowl style works great, but you have to have different size bowls for different bores.
4) Compression tester - any good tool will do, but make sure the throttle is wide open and the ignition is disabled when you use it. Make sure nothing gets caught in any moving parts when you’re leaning over the engine, too. A compression test is a good indication that the valve train is working okay and that there is at least something going up and down in the cylinder.
5) Cylinder leak tester - a compression tester is only half of what you need to know. With a cylinder leak tester you can determine how much compression leak you have, and by listening to the exhaust, the intake, and at the oil breather you can tell where the pressure is being lost.
6) Timing light. We prefer a dial back light, you get what works best for you. With a dial back light you don’t need to have a balancer that’s accurately degreed, with a standard light you do. Most of the cars we get in the shop don’t have a properly degreed balancer.
7) A really good vacuum gauge. Vacuum gauges are the least accurate of all gauges, so to get a good one you have to spend some money. A mercury manometer is best, but you’re not going to go out and buy one of those, so get a good gauge. It will really help you to set an engine and to check other systems, such as vacuum modulators for transmissions, vacuum for air conditioning controls, etc.
8) A good multi-meter. It’s one of those things you really need to have. That million horsepower engine isn’t going anywhere without a good charging system, or a bad ground. It may be a tool you need to get some instruction for, if so, just contact us. You can get a meter that comes with accessories such as an ammeter and a temperature probe. Those are accessories that you will really find helpful and getting them keeps you from buying separate tools.
9) Tachometer - a good timing light will include a tach, but you really need one for setting the engine, and for looking things like weak or failed cylinders through cylinder contribution testing.
10) Fuel pressure gauge. Get a good one of these, also. OTC makes one with different fittings for the different applications, and they are quick release. You really need to be checking fuel pressures whether you’re working with a carbureted or fuel injected engine.
11) A general gauge - for checking oil pressure, etc. You may want to double check the accuracy of an electrical gauge.
We’ll add to the list in the near future -- there are a lot more cool tools out there!
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