First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List
.........................................................................
You should be able to locate tdc as you stated, by measuring a specific
distance down in the bore on each side of tdc. It should be just as good as a
piston stop. However, that will be much more accurate than just trying to rely
on the highest reading. I would take my first reading, say to 0.500 (or 0.750)
turning the crank so the piston is rising. Then turn the crank the opposite
direction until you reach the same height, again with the piston rising. Or
after the first measurement, proceed on through tdc and past the desired
reading, then reverse the crank rotation and come back to the desired height
with the piston rising. My point is that I think your accuracy will be a tiny
bit better instead of taking one measurement with the piston rising, then one
with the piston descending. If your height is off by 0.001, it probably is not
a big deal...
I really would not go to the trouble of pulling the pistons - just turn the
crank by the ring gear and your measurements will be accurate. I use a
screwdriver and pry between the ring gear and the engine stand bolt sleeve. The
longer the screwdriver, the more precise your control. It is rather crude, but
effective! If in doubt, measure two or three times, but you'll probably be on
the money the first time.
David
----- Original Message ----
From: S Sterchi <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
I follow you. I a little bit of a balancing act getting it set up but should
work fine. Thanks!
I bought a dial indicator and magnetic base today at Harbor Freight. I sprung
for the digital to make life easier on myself. I'll look into getting the
degree wheel from Crower tomorrow since they are about 15 minutes from my work.
I set the indicator up on the deck to measure the piston going up and down for
kicks. I think TDC can be determined without using a piston stop. If I start
with the indicator loaded on the piston sitting in the hole about 3/4", take
the indicator and degree wheel measurements, turn the crank until it hits TDC
and returns back to the same indicator measurement, record my second degree
wheel measurement, add the two and divide by 2, I should know where my TDC
falls on the degree wheel. Seems like this is the same principle except I'm
using a digital read out on the dial indicator instead of a physical stop. The
only problem is getting it to return to the exact same reading with the rings
in. I think I may be taking my pistons out for the 3rd time, ouch!
Actually, it seems easier to just set the dial indicator in the bore and turn
the crank until you find the highest reading. That should be TDC. Again, it
seems the only way to do this and have control/accuracy would be with a single
piston, no rings, i.e. minimum drag. What do you think?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submissions to Firebird-L: <[email protected]>
Unsubscribe from Firebird-L: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Help: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/firebird/Firebird-L.html>
Classifieds: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/ubb/>
Owner Pictures: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/show/>
Donations: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/store/cart.mv?999999>
FGF Merchandise: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/store>
