Review of Flat6I Focus On M9X Engine Assembly
Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2020 11:29 am
I have had the opportunity to watch the DVD set from Flat 6 Innovations Focus On: M9X Engine Assembly and have a few comments.
First about me: I am NOT an engine expert especially on the M9X style! I have repaired and done maintenance on my cars over the 53 years of car ownership(Yes I'm an old guy!) In addition, during my 35+ year career with a major railroad I worked in the locomotive maintenance department which, at various times, was either maintenance or complete engine and component overhauls on locomotives up to 4,000hp. So I've been inside a few engines. During my career I was also called on to review training presentations to verify accuracy, content and presentability.
My opinion: The Flat 6 Innovations Focus On: M9X Engine Assembly is a "keeper" for DIY'ers, engine rebuilders, mechanics or just folks who want to know the insides of the engine and how it goes together.
Why do I feel this way?
#1: The quality of the production is outstanding. Recordings both visual and voice are clear with various angles, proper lighting and close-ups when needed. Very professional presentation.
#2: The videos are broken up into segments that correspond with the build process. It is not just hit start and run through the whole build. To me this is valuable because it presents each process as it's own important part of the deal. The small bites let the viewer absorb the information and not be overwhelmed.
#3: Each segment starts with a description of the task(process overview), a part identification discussion and a "tooling required" discussion. In addition, at this time any safety concerns are mentioned up front and repeated during the actual performing of the task.
#4: Actual performance of the task at hand with verbal and visual instructions of how and why again including any safety concerns.
#5: A recap of the process after completed, again, addressing not only the "how" but also the "why" it is important to complete the task as described.
#6: On the more "tricky" processes(bank two piston installation, valve train/camshaft installation and camshaft timing to mention a few) extra time is spent to stress the importance and any possible hazards of these tasks.("If this happens you're going to have a very bad day.")
#7: Throughout the videos there are numerous "silver bullets" shared by Jake learned from his decades long experience with M9X and other "flat" engines. These alone are worth the price of admission.
The above are just some highlights I feel make this a valuable resource. I just wished some of the RR presentations I reviewed had been this detailed, concise, accurate and technically heavy without be boring, but they weren't. Will I ever build one of these engines? No probably not(I'm old)! Could I based on these videos? I think I could.
First about me: I am NOT an engine expert especially on the M9X style! I have repaired and done maintenance on my cars over the 53 years of car ownership(Yes I'm an old guy!) In addition, during my 35+ year career with a major railroad I worked in the locomotive maintenance department which, at various times, was either maintenance or complete engine and component overhauls on locomotives up to 4,000hp. So I've been inside a few engines. During my career I was also called on to review training presentations to verify accuracy, content and presentability.
My opinion: The Flat 6 Innovations Focus On: M9X Engine Assembly is a "keeper" for DIY'ers, engine rebuilders, mechanics or just folks who want to know the insides of the engine and how it goes together.
Why do I feel this way?
#1: The quality of the production is outstanding. Recordings both visual and voice are clear with various angles, proper lighting and close-ups when needed. Very professional presentation.
#2: The videos are broken up into segments that correspond with the build process. It is not just hit start and run through the whole build. To me this is valuable because it presents each process as it's own important part of the deal. The small bites let the viewer absorb the information and not be overwhelmed.
#3: Each segment starts with a description of the task(process overview), a part identification discussion and a "tooling required" discussion. In addition, at this time any safety concerns are mentioned up front and repeated during the actual performing of the task.
#4: Actual performance of the task at hand with verbal and visual instructions of how and why again including any safety concerns.
#5: A recap of the process after completed, again, addressing not only the "how" but also the "why" it is important to complete the task as described.
#6: On the more "tricky" processes(bank two piston installation, valve train/camshaft installation and camshaft timing to mention a few) extra time is spent to stress the importance and any possible hazards of these tasks.("If this happens you're going to have a very bad day.")
#7: Throughout the videos there are numerous "silver bullets" shared by Jake learned from his decades long experience with M9X and other "flat" engines. These alone are worth the price of admission.
The above are just some highlights I feel make this a valuable resource. I just wished some of the RR presentations I reviewed had been this detailed, concise, accurate and technically heavy without be boring, but they weren't. Will I ever build one of these engines? No probably not(I'm old)! Could I based on these videos? I think I could.
