In addition to standard hand tools, engine rebuilding requires some specialty tools as well. Some work will require metal work that can only be done at a machine shop, and the DIY classic car builder just completes the engine re-assembly. Your level of skill will dictate the level of service you obtain from the engine machine shop. Depending on your expertise as a DIY mechanic will determine which engine building tools you will need for your home engine building project.
Piston Ring Expander: A piston ring expander is an inexpensive tool. Do not be tempted to install rings into the piston grooves by hand. It is a bad idea, because rings can get deformed by the twisting action, which may cause sealing problems. Use a ring squaring tool to seat the piston ring squarely in the bore, and a feeler gauge to check its gap. Check the gap often and grind slowly to prevent ruining the ring. When filing the rings, sneak up on the final gap. Go slowly, removing minimal material at a time and re-checking the gap often.
Piston Ring Compressor: To install pistons and rings back into the cylinders, a piston ring installation tool is needed. A clamp-style ring compressor is the least expensive style but consider investing in a piston ring installer set. Most sets include five or six popular sizes that you can use for other engine projects.
Engine Measuring Tools: One of the first steps of proper engine repair is accurately inspecting and measuring worn parts. Although most of us are more mechanics than machinists, the need arises during an engine build to precisely measure wear and play. Engine measuring tools include a digital caliper, micrometer(s), dial indicator, dial bore gauge, and feeler gauge.
Feeler Gauges: A feeler gauge, or gap gauge, is made up of thin metal blades. Each blade is a different width of precise thickness and will be marked in either thousandths of an inch, or millimeters, or both. They are needed for checking valve tolerances, ignition point gaps and other critical measurements.
Feeler gauge blades usually range from .0015″ to .035″ (.038 to .889mm). Long feeler gauges may be needed for valve adjustments on some engines.
Dial Bore Gauge: To accurately measure the inside diameter of a cylinder, a bore gauge is needed. The one I have had a range of two to six inches, a depth of six inches, and the round dial has .001″ increments.
Digital Caliper: Here is a link to an overview of vernier, dial, and digital calipers.
I cannot over-stress the importance of having good measuring equipment as part of your engine building tools, as well as learning to use these tools correctly. Remember that calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, and dial bore gauges are precision measurements, and need to be treated as such. For consistent and reliable results, keep them clean and out of harm’s way.
Valve Spring Compressor: Depending on whether you are rebuilding the cylinder head(s) yourself, a valve spring compressor will be needed for removing and installing the engine valves.
If you are doing out own valve reconditioning there are specialized tools to work on the valves and the heads to properly grind to the correct specifications.
Gasket Scraper: Aside from scraping surfaces clean before new gaskets are installed, gasket scrapers are also used to remove old gaskets.
Lifter Puller: This tools helps to grab and hold the lifters to remove from the engine.
Engine Stand: Technically, you do not need an engine stand, but they sure do make things easier. The only provision here is to make sure it can safely handle the weight of your engine.
The two things you want from an engine stand are sturdy and stable. You cannot have too heavy an engine stand.
Engine Hoist: You will need an engine hoist twice; once to remove, and once to install. Inquire at either an auto parts store or an equipment rental store. Generally, they offer two-day rentals, but you must leave a deposit, usually with a credit card. I have done several car engine pulls and have always rented one from an auto parts store. I never considered buying an engine hoist, because even disassembled, they take up more space than I must spare in my garage.
A cylinder honing tool can create an optimal finish in deglazing applications. A mechanic can take apart the engine and deglaze the cylinders using the Flex-Hone® tool Using this tool creates a 45 degree angle crosshatching of tiny grooves in the cylinder wall and restores the engine performance.
Designed to prime the lubricating system of a rebuilt engine prior to its first start to prevent the damage of a dry start. It works by connecting to the oil pump shaft through the distributor hole and inserting in oil pump.
Hand Tools Needed for Engine Rebuild
- Sockets, ratchets, and extensions in 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″
- Shallow and deep sockets from 1/4″ to 1″
- Wrenches: open-end and combination, from 7/16″ to 1″
- Screwdriver set.
- Torque Wrench
- Single edge razor blades
- Pry bars
You may run into other specialty engine building tools needed for specific classic car engines depending on the manufacturer. Machine shops provide a wide range of service from working on the components right up to a full engine rebuild for your classic car. The tools required will depend on the level of service provided by the machine shop vs the DIY part you are working on.
