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The AERA Technical Committee offers the following information regarding piston ring gaps caution on 1998-2004 Dodge/Cummins 5.9L diesel engines. Members have reported some confusion on the second ring gap specification supplied by the aftermarket compared to the OE specification. 

During assembly and checking the ring gap on the second ring, some aftermarket piston rings have been measuring a .020” (.508 MM) second ring gap measurement. This specification is tighter than what the OE recommends, which is .033-.045” (.838-1.143 MM). 

The AERA Technical Committee offers the following information regarding head gasket selection for Toyota 1HD-FTE diesel engines. The Toyota 1HD-FTE engine uses three different head gasket thicknesses depending on what the piston protrusion is.

Piston protrusion measurement is taken at TDC (Top Dead Center) to determine the correct head gasket thickness to use. Once the piston protrusion has been measured, reference Table 1 below to determine which head gasket should be used. Failure to check piston protrusion and using the correct gasket could result in piston to head contact or piston to valve contact. 

By Stefan Braun

Oil shear is a misused and misunderstood term among engine builders and technicians

worldwide, and here I will attempt to clarify this term and why it’s important to know these

basics when choosing an engine oil.

We all know that when an engine is in operation, oil flows throughout and in-between different parts separated by tight clearances and being “forced” through these tight spaces. At the same time, high temperature and pressures contribute to the mechanical shearing (breakdown) of certain molecules in the oil. In engine oil testing, they call this “shear stability.” Basically, how much viscosity does the oil lose in service due to shearing.

Gain knowledge and network with other people in our industry by attending a conference near you! AERA understands that traveling to national trade shows to gain knowledge and networking opportunities is very expensive. So, we team up with a regional host to offer these conferences in different regions of our country and hopefully closer to your shop. All shops welcome! Need not be an AERA member to attend.

All AERA members have a chance to win products from our Associate Members! New members each quarter, members who renew in that quarter, along with monthly pay members whose anniversary is in that quarter are automatically entered into a drawing. AERA will draw from this pool and announce the winner. Prizes ship to the winner freight pre-paid!