dial gauges

[Bloodweiser]

Guys, I need to measure my end float and I reckon I need a dial gauge.


something like this ?





Well, first I guess I should ask if this is the right tool for the job.

And second is the HF one accurate enough [I think I need 3 decimals off the top of my head] ?

[Pointyhead]

Looks fine and the magnetic base is handy. As far as the accuracy that indicator in the picture should do well. You need an accuracy of .001 (one thousandth) and the "10" mark is .010 (10 thousandths). Being a former machinist I have found that some of the bargain indicators similar to the one pictured are fine for something not used all of the time.

[fritzcoinc]

Do you mean you are measuring your carb. float heigth?
If so:
I would say thet the spring tension in the gage to too strong to measure the float. Try a sacle with 1/64" grads.

[Bloodweiser]

Originally Posted by fritzcoinc

Do you mean you are measuring your carb. float heigth?
If so:
I would say thet the spring tension in the gage to too strong to measure the float. Try a sacle with 1/64" grads.

nah, crankshaft end float - how much the shaft sticks out of the case whenever I get the motor back together

Its going to be one of those tools that doesn't get used much......

[mark1305]

That type of indicator from HF should be good enough, as already said.

I've also gotten good readings using the depth guage function on the end of my Mitutoyo digital calipers (great pawn shop score and they read in inches or mm). I just push or lever the shaft in one direction, measure relative to the bearing boss, then lever or push the shaft the other way and remeasure. Then do the math.

Unless the specs call for it, I wouldn't keep any axial pressure on the shaft as it could deflect the bearings (if they are roller or ball type) enough to affect the reading of true endfloat.

[tripodtiger]

I am looking for ideas on how to set up a dial gauge to find TDC in my 2 stroke engines (and then 2mm BTDC)

I just bought one that is basically identical to the set up in #1 post.


photos anyone?

First thought is to drill out an old plug - of which I have a range to choose.

Next, how do I get the gauge stable in the head as I rotate the crank?

[kioti]

Originally Posted by tripodtiger

I am looking for ideas on how to set up a dial gauge to find TDC in my 2 stroke engines (and then 2mm BTDC)
photos anyone?

This is what your after, I bought this one back in '72 at the local yamahammer dealer for $28.

[P B G]

For endfloat that will work, it is such a small measurement I usually prefer the type of indicator with an arm on the side, for the type of work you are doing, it avoids the question of the arm being perpendicular to the surface, which setting up the dial can be more tricky that way, and if not straight induces odd measurements, where as this type is designed for measurements with some deflection - light tramming mills.



For TDC if the probe on the pictured dial indicators from before is long enough to catch the piston you're in like flynn with out anything fancy.

I do have a plug somewhere that I drilled and put a bit of tool steel blank into so that I could go deeper, got converted to a schrader valve plug.

[anonny]

Originally Posted by tripodtiger

I am looking for ideas on how to set up a dial gauge to find TDC in my 2 stroke engines (and then 2mm BTDC)

I just bought one that is basically identical to the set up in #1 post.

click

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=806389

You will find more uses for it Bloodweiser

[stainlesscycle]

for end float i prefer 0-15-0 indicator, but just about any will work.. but the 0-15-0 indicator is definitely not a do-all gauge so if you gotta have just one, by a nice inch indicator.. i probably have 15 different indicators - i use the digital one the least, although it is neato...

also, the base is as critical as the indicator. a good base is expensive, but worth it. don't buy one of them crappy serpentine looking holders (i forget what they're called), they move all over no how high quality you get. you can easily spend as much on the base as the indicator........

[GSWayne]

I have found that Shars http://www.shars.com/product_categor..._Indicator_Set
has very nice low cost dial indicators.

[ohgood]

Originally Posted by Bloodweiser

Guys, I need to measure my end float and I reckon I need a dial gauge.


something like this ?





Well, first I guess I should ask if this is the right tool for the job.

And second is the HF one accurate enough [I think I need 3 decimals off the top of my head] ?

make sure the end is screwed on all the way, and the nut on the mag base is tight also. false readings will leave you scratching your head.

remember, you can always take a standard (1/4", 1/2", 1" etc) and place UNDER the base if you don't have enough travel in the indicator, then do the math (yowwww !) to find greater travels of parts / pieces.

some folks eliminate the fine adjustment (wobbly, loose, wornout) and just turn the dial to zero.

a pull or two on the needle will ensure you've got a good contact.

:)