12 replies to this topic

[mk=john]

Hi
I wish to install the engine number plate on my engine, and have the correct drive pins. Except, when I try and drill, the block seems really hard and I cant get the drill to cut a hole. I know my drill bits are not blunt.

Has anyone tried drilling into the block in order to put in an engine number plate?

What can I do to make the holes?

Thanks

[dying2live06]

firstly engine blocks are super hard. Ive never drilled into a engine block b4 but i recommend that u buy some cutting paste and if that doesnt work u may haft 2 take ur engine out and use a pillar drill.
sorry i couldnt be of any more help

[Leonard]

check the drill isnt in reverse!!!

[Mini 360]

check the drill isnt in reverse!!!

I've had that problem so mant times and it took ages for me to work out why it wasnt drilling through the metal! Silly me!

[Sprocket]

firstly engine blocks are super hard. Ive never drilled into a engine block b4

********!

They are soft as chease. The last part of your statement says you shouldnt be advising on something you havent done.







The big question i will ask is, why do you need to drill the block, the holes should be there. Unless the pins have not been removed and machined off, in which case you will find it very difficult as the pins are stainless and hard. Drill down the side. if you still find it hard then its one of two things, the bit is infact blunt or the rotation is incorrect. Use the drill on slow speed. Cutting compound is not nescisary, but can help the life of the drill bit, it does not magicaly make blunt bits cut better.

[Big_Adam]

also make sure your using a good drillbit not some cheap carbon tools, good high speed steel jobbie.

[fikus01]

have a look for drill bits on the screwfix website - google search!!

they have all sorts of bits on there!! tungsten tippers, with diamond cut edges, all sorts!!

[Big_Adam]

I don't trust some of them all singing all dancing drill bits,

had some tungsten coated ones before (expensive) used one snapped. Returned it and got a set of HSS ones from coopers down the road.

[fikus01]

it often depends how its being used and on what!! a tungsten bit mite have been innapropriate for what you were drilling thats all!! hss = high speed steel. other bits are rated otherwise!! and there is such a thing as a cheap tungsten tip bit!!

[Big_Adam]

nah, was just a cheap drill bit with some C**p tungsten on it. Not even proper solid tungsten tipped, just coated.

I prefer my HSS ones. I know the quality of the brand I buy. It's not great but it works for me.

Sorry for going off topic by the way.

[fikus01]

quote - Sorry for going off topic by the way.


what he said!!

Edited by fikus01, 03 December 2006 - 02:43 PM.

[dklawson]

Just for the record for those of you not familiar with the drill bit discussion above....
There are tungsten-carbide tipped drill bits for use in very hard materials. Similar but crude versions are used to drill holes in masonry. The coated bits (typically gold in color) are pushed all over the place now with promises of longer life. That coating may help on soft metals and wood but I haven't seen any significant change on ferrous materials.

Regarding the block... I've never seen one that's particularly hard. They are, after all, cast iron, not steel. As others suggested, use a first rate drill bit, put some engine oil around the spot you want to drill, make sure you've center punched it first so the bit won't walk, and make sure your drill is in FORWARD, not reverse. ALSO, drill a slightly smaller pilot hole first if you're having any difficulty. Follow the pilot hole drill with the size you actually need for the drive pins.

[fikus01]

to add to that take your time, let the bit to the work, keep it lubricated(when it starts squeeking its too dry) also you dont have to run the drill bit at 1'000'000'000'000rpm to get it to cut!! steady mid speed is usually fine!!