Importance of Dynamometer Tests in Evaluating Engine Tuning

For the past two decades, South Houston Engine Service, Inc., has offered truck owners and drivers quality remanufactured and machined products. With a focus on performance integrity, the team at South Houston Engine Service, Inc., runs comprehensive dynamometer checks to ensure that all systems are in good working order.

Dyno tests involve a detailed evaluation of the engine when running under its own power and connected to a set resistance level from an electric or water brake. The resulting data, measured in foot-pounds, are essential in gaining an accurate idea of the torque and horsepower of the engine. This information is then utilized by technicians in determining which parts of the engine need additional tuning. The dyno test troubleshooting method is used to ensure proper functioning of engine elements such as the intake manifold, ignition timing, and carburetor jetting and size. By putting all remanufactured engines through dynamometer checks, and recalibrating as necessary, the experienced team of mechanics is able to ensure that its rebuilt truck engines are ready for heavy-duty road use.

AERA Engine Builders Association

South Houston Engine Service, Inc., is a Texas automotive service company that focuses primarily in remanufacturing diesel engines. Among the company’s numerous professional affiliations, South Houston Engine Service, Inc., enjoys particularly strong ties to the AERA Automotive Engine Builders Association.

Founded in July of 1922, as the Midwest Regrinders Association, the Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association (AERA) has assumed several different names over the years. The organization has also undergone significant growth and expansion. Today’s AERA is an internationally respected industry authority that serves companies that range from mining and manufacturing interests to Formula One racing teams.

Members of the AERA Engine Builders Association include a worldwide network of internal combustion engine builders, machine shops, parts suppliers, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). In addition to receiving a wealth of professional tools, resources, and technical support, AERA members receive exclusive discounts from corporate partners. They also receive access to AERA specialized computer software that is designed to make daily operations significantly easier and more efficient.

How PERA Helps Clients Go Global

The Texas-based machinists at South Houston Engine Service, Inc., have been rebuilding diesel engines and engine components for over 21 years. South Houston Engine Service, Inc., is affiliated with professional organizations that testify to the business’ excellent service and community standing. These affiliations include the Better Business Bureau and the Production Engine Remanufacturers Association, or PERA.

Since its founding, PERA has encouraged its members to adopt the highest standards of ethics and customer satisfaction. The organization also believes that members should treat their employees as well as they treat their customers and strives to advance the engine remanufacturing industry by taking its products and services to clients around the world.

On the PERA website, www.pera.org, the group archives news announcements and resources that inform clients of exciting business prospects. One such resource details the 2011 Asia Pacific Business Outlook conference. Clients who attended the APBO conference got to conduct one-on-one conversations with executives from the Asia Pacific region, who offered insight into the thriving Korean, Japanese, and Indian markets, among others.

AERA – Providing the Necessary Tool in the Engine Building Business

Since its inception in 1993, South Houston Engine Service Inc. has been using advanced equipment and ASE-certified machinists to remanufacture diesel engines. For this reason, it has been building quality diesel engines with prices cheaper than dealer prices by 25-50 percent. South Houston Engine Service Inc. is also an active member of the AERA Engine Builders Association.

An established technical resource for internal combustion engine remanufacturers, builders, suppliers, and service providers, AERA provides technical assistance and unparalleled access to information to its members. The organization advocates for sensible government policy that promotes the common interest of the industry.

In line with its goal, AERA organizes Tech and Skills Regional Conferences. Aside from providing critical skills instruction and technical presentations, these conferences provide attendees with opportunities to meet suppliers and expand their network. Five attendees of each regional conference can be eligible for the Engine Rebuilders Educational Foundation (EREF) grant that covers the recipient’s registration fee, meals, gas, and accommodations.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: Drawing Millions Annually in Support of Charity, Education, and Science, by South Houston Engine Service Inc

South Houston Engine Service Inc., which specializes in diesel-engine remanufacturing, helps sponsor the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. South Houston Engine Service Inc. and its team of ASE-certified mechanics respect and appreciate the philanthropic mission of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Since The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo began in 1932, it has donated more than $330 million to educational youth programs, scholarships, endowments, research, and participants and exhibitors in its many events and programs. For eight decades, it has aimed to improve the way in which livestock are bred, raised, and marketed. The Show continues to pursue its goal through charitable, educational, and scientific outreach to its community. Currently run as a 20-day event, the Show has drawn more than two million attendees for the last three consecutive years.

The Show offers a wide variety of entertainment and activities for all attendees. Visitors enjoy the World Championship BBQ Contest, many concerts, with upcoming headliners including Toby Keith and Demi Lavato, livestock and horse shows, parades, various rodeos, the School Art Program, and Rodeo Uncorked!, an international wine competition.

New Diesel Technologies May Reduce Pollution

Since 1993, South Houston Engine Service Inc. has specialized in the rebuilding of diesel engines. Individuals interested in the company’s services can reach South Houston Engine Service Inc. at 1-800-477-1833 or online at http://www.southhoustonengine.com

For many years, there have been justified concerns about the level of pollutants released by diesel engines. However, recent studies indicate that the development of advanced low-temperature combustion technologies may allow companies to take advantage of the benefits of diesel with the added opportunity to minimize pollution levels.

The major pollutants in diesel exhaust, which are nitrous oxide and particulate matter, form as a result of heat. Molecules of nitrous oxide develop when the diesel fuel ignites; when they dissipate into the air, they merge with other minute pollutants to form smog. Particulate matter released by diesel engines stems from the high concentration of fuel and intense heat in the combustion chamber.

By redirecting the exhaust back into a diesel engine, researchers effectively reduced the heat in the combustion chamber and prevented the formation of a significant amount of nitrous oxide and particulate matter. In addition, returning the exhaust into the engine also decreased the level of pollutants released into the air.

South Houston Engine Service Inc. Explains the Difference between Long Block and Short Block Engines

Many people read or hear the terms “long block” and “short block” when referring to engines and incorrectly assume that the terms describe different sizes of engines. In fact, “long block” and “short block” refer to an engine’s state of completion.

Compared with complete engine assemblies, long block and short block engines are both missing parts. As the names suggest, long block engines lack fewer parts than short block engines. A short block engine contains the engine block itself, plus the rotating assembly, including the crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, and camshaft if the short block assembly is not an overhead-cam configuration.

A long block assembly includes all of the components of the short block but adds cylinder heads and other critical parts, depending on the configuration. Failed engines are replaced with either a short or a long block sub-assembly. The selection of one over the other depends on what portion of the engine has failed and what needs to be replaced.

South Houston Engine Service Inc. performs diesel engine remanufacturing and carries both long block and short block engine replacements.

Lighthouse Charity Team: Fundraising in Texas for Nearly 30 Years, by South Houston Engine Service Inc

South Houston Engine Service Inc. actively supports the mission of Lighthouse Charity Team. The team of ASE-certified mechanics at South Houston Engine Service Inc. specializes in diesel-engine remanufacturing and is proud to be affiliated with the important community work of Lighthouse Charity Team.

Based in Galveston, Texas, Lighthouse Charity Team exists to fundraise for charitable organizations and other groups during times of financial need. The non-profit organization uses its own equipment and manpower to prepare meals on a large scale and then donates 100 percent of profits from food sales directly to its partners in need. Made up of more than 50 volunteers, the group is dedicated to working together to meet the needs of other groups, families, and individuals within their community.

The organization maintains a wide variety of equipment for fundraising use, including 13 trailers, all custom, state-of-the-art, and, most importantly, donated. The remarkable support the group receives from its community partners has provided trailers such as the “Big Daddy Max,” a custom rotisserie barbecue pit on wheels, capable of cooking 1,500 chicken halves, 4,000 hot dogs, or 2,000 pounds of brisket. The trailer includes a three-door refrigeration unit plus freshwater and wastewater tanks with a sink.

How to Remanufacture a Diesel Engine with South Houston Engine Service Inc.

Diesel engine remanufacturing is an excellent way to tone up your old engine at a fraction of the cost it takes to buy a new one. We asked the folks at South Houston Engine Service Inc. to outline diesel engine remanufacturing for us.

The diesel engine remanufacturing process is a combination of cleaning, machining, assembling, and testing. The process begins with a complete dismantling of the diesel engine. This is followed by a thorough cleaning of each part, including blocks, heads, camshafts, crankshafts, and connecting rods. Then, individual components are first visually inspected, and then subjected to magnetic testing to check for cracks. Then, they are checked for size. At that point, components are machined back to factory specifications. Fuel-system components, such as injectors and injector pumps, are rebuilt or replaced with new—subject to the application. Turbochargers are rebuilt. All internal components, such as piston, rings, and bearings, are replaced. After assembly, the engine is run on a dynomometer to make sure all systems are working properly.