Reasonably priced Dial Indicator for valve check?

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tshults1@comcast.net
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Reasonably priced Dial Indicator for valve check?

Post by tshults1@comcast.net » Thu Nov 09, 2023 11:10 am

I want to check valve clearance using a valve indicator that will screw- anchor into a block hole. Is there an "off the self" brand that you have used without having to devise an anchor setup? (yes, I know "reasonably priced" is a relative term. :) Thanks!
"I pity the fool who doesn't drive a Model T" Mr. T.


Kevin Pharis
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Re: Reasonably priced Dial Indicator for valve check?

Post by Kevin Pharis » Thu Nov 09, 2023 11:47 am

There are many dial indicator attachments available… but none that I know of that will measure a .015” clearance between 2 objects. I may be missing something, what exactly are you hoping to to indicate…?

If you are setting lash by piston travel, a magnet base and 1” indicator might be what yur looking for. Here is a very affordable option from Shars Tool;

https://www.shars.com/magnetic-base-w-1 ... ndicator-1

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Mark Gregush
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Re: Reasonably priced Dial Indicator for valve check?

Post by Mark Gregush » Fri Nov 10, 2023 1:18 pm

Harbor Freight has the ones with magnetic base and might even come with a dial indicator.
I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas! :shock:

1925 Cut down pickup
1948 Ford F2 pickup

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Mark Nunn
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Re: Reasonably priced Dial Indicator for valve check?

Post by Mark Nunn » Fri Nov 10, 2023 5:01 pm

A feeler gauge is not always adequate. There is an option if you just want to check lash but don’t want to pull the head. I used a dial indicator with the tip against the top of the valves, through the sparkplug hole. I made a bent extension to get from the hole to the valve head. Dan Hatch has the best tool for that and he has posted pictures of it on this forum.
TDC.gif
Coincidentally, I have a collection of dials that I don’t mind altering. I managed an R&D lab for years until I started my transition to retirement. I bought dials by the case because we often had to put them in harm’s way when testing to total failure. I would collect the broken but usable dials.

Use the dial to measure total valve lift through one full cam rotation. Then add a shim, such as a nickel, between the lifter and valve stem and repeat the measurement. The difference in measurements is your lash. This works even if your lifters are dished. A feeler gauge will not give an accurate measurement if the lifter is dished. I had, for example, .032” lash as measured with a feeler gauge. But the dial method revealed .045” of total lash due to a worn lifter.

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walber
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Re: Reasonably priced Dial Indicator for valve check?

Post by walber » Fri Nov 10, 2023 7:37 pm

Harbor Freight magnetic base and dial indicator for about $30, less on sale or with a coupon. Works fine for me. I don't need measurements below .001 and you probably don't either for most tasks.

Google will pop up other options in a pretty similar price range.


Dan Hatch
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Re: Reasonably priced Dial Indicator for valve check?

Post by Dan Hatch » Sat Nov 11, 2023 10:18 am

Get the books Tinkering Tips, both volumes. It has all info you need for “Timing the valves to piston position “ that you need.
Get a HR indicator and have at it.
IMG_3295.jpeg

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