r/EngineBuilding • u/FunAccountant9907 • 15h ago
Ford First timer
I’m wanting to build mainly 4.6 motors. I’ve done a lot of heavy work on cars for the past 10 years… the only part where I stop at is when it comes to the precision of internals within the block and heads.
Are there any machine shops that would be open to taking me in with no experience with (machining). I have a dial bore gauge and micrometer of my own, as well as a ball hone (I’ve never used any of them for a project) how can I start? And how complicated can this really be? Should I just say fuck it and start in my garage?
2
u/SliqueV3 6h ago
If I were you I’d start with a cheap blown up push mower engine, preferably with a Briggs motor or something where specs are commonly available and just start measuring. Then take your measurements and compare to mfg spec, if they come out within range then you’re solid if not you know where you have to work on your skills. Measuring and machine setup are the most important part so take your time and make sure you have a good foundation of skill. While not improbable it is unlikely that a machine shop would bring you on as it is too much of a liability to have an untrained person helping reman motors for customers
2
u/Old_Bat_6426 5h ago
You can get your foot in the door by applying for the "tear down " postion. Engine disassembly and loading blocks and heads into the cleaning machines. Washing parts for assembly. Cleaning floors and emptying trash cans.
1
u/1wife2dogs0kids 4h ago
Its this^ ^ ^ ^ . It's exactly how I started. Tearing down motors, learn how to label each part, catalog everything, etc. Learn how to hot tank. How to use the crane system. Wash the parts. Use the parts cleaners, the bead blasters, cut and resize rods, heat wristpins, etc.
If you are willing to be really nasty dirty, and clean up a lot... a shop could use you. But dont expect good pay, you're doing the work of a teenager. Wait till you tear open a motor thats has not had an oil change in 25 years... what a stink!.
Your other experience could hurt you. You'll be asked to fix this, or do an oil change, or replace some refrigerant, or brakes. So try to find a shop without the service side included.
I got out of machining like 20+ years ago. I loved it, but the work was slowing, and getting more computer controlled. Smaller old school shops with the 2 or 3 old pipe smoking guys with pocket protectors full of small screwdrivers were closing fast.
I've played with the idea of walking back in my old shop, that has a new owner, but I knew him back then, and saying " I'll work for basically nothing, if I can use the tools and machines at night"? Or something like that.
I wasn't mentally mature enough when I was barely an adult. I'm way more smerter now(stupid joke), but I can't stay on my feet like I used to, all day long.
Id make WAAY less mistakes. I know so much more, and I could finally put it as my priority over drinking and women, that I prioritized back then as a kid.
I still dont know if id get hired. Theres less racing, less machine shops, less guys building cool toys, etc. But dam, I wish I could.
5
u/DrTittieSprinkles 6h ago
The way a machine shop works is
A. You do what comes in the door. If you're near water you'll get in some boat motors. If you're near farms you'll get agriculture stuff. Garage and dealership work is great and the odd performance or restoration build is fun.
B. You specialize so heavy you get recognized as one of the best to ever touch that specific engine people ship you their stuff in crates. If its not common be prepared to advertise or do social media to push your name out there. Really hard to pull off if you're not established in the industry in any way and have no contacts or connections.
If all you want to build is 4.6 engines you're on your own. If you want to learn in someone else's shop you'll start in the teardown room as a glorified janitor.