An now uncle Vic's technology saved another Healey block, how cool is that!
These machines are also operating under computer numerical control and used to
cut complex shapes. And with a suitably shaped electrode it is possible to
"drill" square holes or any shape really.
Bert
--- On Sun, 7/10/11, Rich
Chrysler <richchrysler at quickclic.net> wrote:
> From: Rich Chrysler
<richchrysler at quickclic.net>
> Subject: RE: [Healeys] spark eroding experience
> To: "'Bert Van Brande'" <bertvanbrande at yahoo.com>, "'List Healey'"
<healeys at autox.team.net>
> Date: Sunday, July 10, 2011, 4:21 AM
> I am very
proud to be able to relate
> some family history to exactly this
> technology.
> During WW2, my great uncle Victor Harding (my grandmother's
> kid brother)
had
> a machine shop in Royal Oak Michigan and was working
> closely with
Packard
> Engines who were having a high incidence of broken taps in
> the
Rolls Royce
> Merlin engine blocks they were producing under license from
>
RR. These were
> the Packard Merlin 225 engines being used in so many of the
>
famous planes of
> WW2.
> Anyway, Uncle Vic developed and perfected this
technology
> so they could
> remove hardened broken taps from these aircraft
engine
> blocks. They were so
> successful at this new technology, they were
able to save
> these blocks from
> being scrapped, and he was able to patent
the design. He
> travelled for a
> number of years after the war presenting
lectures on the
> design and retired
> to Sarasota Florida, having done
"alright".
>
> Rich Chrysler
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From:
healeys-bounces at autox.team.net
> [mailto:healeys-bounces at autox.team.net]
> On
Behalf Of Bert Van Brande
> Sent: 2011-07-08 8:56
> To: List Healey
> Subject:
[Healeys] spark eroding experience
>
> Not related to the plugs.
>
> I
rented a small trailer and brought the 100 4 cyl
> engine to a shop in the
"valley" here in SoCal to remove a
> broken generator
> stud from the block.
These holes are drilled right
> into the water jacket so
> these studs
frequently rust solidly in
> place. The stud was already broken
> when I got
the car/engine. In an attempt to remove it
> I broke an EZ-out.
> So
> now
there was a hardened steel bit in there as well.
> Ouch.
>
> I had another
>
broken bolt in the exhaust manifold. I didn't even
> try, learned my lesson.
> Both items were fixed in 45 minutes using spark eroding or
> edm. A
suitable
> electrode is used and an electric discharge or spark
>
disintegrates the
> metal.
> Very cool! Here's a demo video on youtube:
>
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRxljmABXL4&feature=related
>
> This
technology
> usually can remove studs, bolts, broken taps without
> damaging
the threads.
> The thread was cleaned with a 5/16 BSF tap but there are a
>
couple vertical
> nicks on the threads in my case. The nicks maybe not
> too
bad to require the
> use of an insert or helicoil. I'll make sure to use
>
thread sealant. I
> have
> Hylomar thread sealant (not the advanced
formulation which
> I have as well)
> but I feel more for a Loctite or
Permatex style
> sealant. I love to hear if
> anyone has good experience with
these or other
> sealants.
>
> Overall I am happy
> with the progress as
this was holding me up.
>
> Bert
>
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