Dial test indicator
#1 Dial test indicator
I need to get one of these ( I think) so as to accurately set TDC before I fit my ( superbly overhauled by CMES) cylinder head.
I’ve seen plenty on Amazon, eBay etc at about £20 including the gauge and magnetic mount which seems cheap . I guess I won’t use it often and don’t mind spending the cash but does anyone have experience of these low cost ones?
Thanks
Tim
I’ve seen plenty on Amazon, eBay etc at about £20 including the gauge and magnetic mount which seems cheap . I guess I won’t use it often and don’t mind spending the cash but does anyone have experience of these low cost ones?
Thanks
Tim
Series 1 FHC purchased 40 years ago. Courted my wife in it.
Series 1 2+2 when the kids were small now sold.
Series 1.5 OTS in opalescent maroon, Californian car. My retirement present.
Series 1 2+2 when the kids were small now sold.
Series 1.5 OTS in opalescent maroon, Californian car. My retirement present.
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
-
- Posts: 987
- Joined: Tue Jun 23, 2009 3:33 pm
- Location: Columbus, Ohio
#2 Re: Dial test indicator
I bought this one to adjust my woodworking tools. It's probably not accurate enough for high precision demands, but for adjusting a table saw, jointer, etc. it's more than adequate. Certainly accurate enough to find TDC on an auto engine.
Mark
67 OTS 1E14988, 2015 Camry XSE
67 OTS 1E14988, 2015 Camry XSE
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#3 Re: Dial test indicator
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=5856&hilit=tdc
Waste of money if you're just looking for TDC,
this way is free, and it's highly accurate.
Either tape measure as shown, or degree disc.
Waste of money if you're just looking for TDC,
this way is free, and it's highly accurate.
Either tape measure as shown, or degree disc.
Rory
3.8 OTS S1 Opalescent Silver Grey - built May 28th 1962
3.8 OTS S1 Opalescent Silver Grey - built May 28th 1962
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#4 Re: Dial test indicator
From experience I’d look at a second hand one of either Mitutoyo, Starrett, M&W or Baty manufacture for smooth operation and precision. Plenty on flea bay etc.
Paul.
1971 S2 FHC (Opalescent Blue)
1990 Mercedes Benz 260E
1972 Saab 96 V4
A number of Nortons.
1939 Triumph T100
1971 S2 FHC (Opalescent Blue)
1990 Mercedes Benz 260E
1972 Saab 96 V4
A number of Nortons.
1939 Triumph T100
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#5 Re: Dial test indicator
Hi Tim..the cheap ones are OK as an indicator for your tdc as you dont have the head on and can measure straight on the piston tops..also suitable for front/rear wheel bearing.....were not talking high precision here...Steve
Steve
69 S2 2+2 (just sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
69 S2 2+2 (just sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
-
- Posts: 3324
- Joined: Thu Jun 19, 2014 3:08 pm
- Location: Near Andover, Hampshire,in D.O. Blighty
#6 Re: Dial test indicator
Follow Rory’s advice, even if it means waiting till you’ve got the head on. And if you do buy the dial gauge, try checking at the 90 degree position to cross check how accurately you’ve measured at actual TDC.
Geoff
Geoff
S2 FHC Light Blue
S2 OTS LHD - RHD full restoration
S2 OTS LHD - RHD full restoration
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#7 Re: Dial test indicator
Indeed, same approach with no head on, bolt a strap across the block, with a spacer of some sort, then approach it from both directions and divide by 2.
Rory
3.8 OTS S1 Opalescent Silver Grey - built May 28th 1962
3.8 OTS S1 Opalescent Silver Grey - built May 28th 1962
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#8 Re: Dial test indicator
Thanks guys, opposing views ……..
Series 1 FHC purchased 40 years ago. Courted my wife in it.
Series 1 2+2 when the kids were small now sold.
Series 1.5 OTS in opalescent maroon, Californian car. My retirement present.
Series 1 2+2 when the kids were small now sold.
Series 1.5 OTS in opalescent maroon, Californian car. My retirement present.
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#9 Re: Dial test indicator
I have a number of dial gauges from different manufacturers.
The el cheapo units are surprisingly accurate and should be fine for what you want to do. The digital ones seem a little more robust and are easier to read.
I also have a couple of Mitutoyo gauges I use when it matters.
While the concept of buying used is attractive, you don't know what's been done to the gauge and dropping them, in particular, can damage them.
The el cheapo units are surprisingly accurate and should be fine for what you want to do. The digital ones seem a little more robust and are easier to read.
I also have a couple of Mitutoyo gauges I use when it matters.
While the concept of buying used is attractive, you don't know what's been done to the gauge and dropping them, in particular, can damage them.
Last edited by abowie on Tue Dec 19, 2023 8:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Andrew.
881824, 1E21538. 889457. 1961 4.3l Mk2. 1975 XJS. 1962 MGB
http://www.projectetype.com/index.php/the-blog.html
Adelaide, Australia
881824, 1E21538. 889457. 1961 4.3l Mk2. 1975 XJS. 1962 MGB
http://www.projectetype.com/index.php/the-blog.html
Adelaide, Australia
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#10 Re: Dial test indicator
Hi Tim... just to add.....a lot of what's available are metric...so beware that you need to calculate to thou inch if measuring wheel bearings etc...Steve
Steve
69 S2 2+2 (just sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
69 S2 2+2 (just sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#11 Re: Dial test indicator
I agree with you buying second hand, it’s a chance you take. Just buy carefully. Genuine good sellers, are they still in original box etc.
Paul.
1971 S2 FHC (Opalescent Blue)
1990 Mercedes Benz 260E
1972 Saab 96 V4
A number of Nortons.
1939 Triumph T100
1971 S2 FHC (Opalescent Blue)
1990 Mercedes Benz 260E
1972 Saab 96 V4
A number of Nortons.
1939 Triumph T100
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#12 Re: Dial test indicator
As an update on this.
I bought a used dial gauge and stand from flea bay. And set it up on the front cylinder ( I know it’s number 6) but it makes no difference.
By gently turning the crank I found TDC fairly easily. Checked it a few times and feel reasonably confident I’m there. Pistons 1 & 6 are a few thou below block surface which I think is correct.
Next step of course was to take a look at the crank pointer, this is maybe a few degrees out. Not much but worth adjusting.
Good point from Steve about making sure the gauge was imperial measures, most of the new ones are metric. This will make the gauge more usable for run out on discs etc.
( by the way I kept my promise to keep out of the garage over Christmas- well apart from the odd moment or 2 checking all was ok !)
Tim
I bought a used dial gauge and stand from flea bay. And set it up on the front cylinder ( I know it’s number 6) but it makes no difference.
By gently turning the crank I found TDC fairly easily. Checked it a few times and feel reasonably confident I’m there. Pistons 1 & 6 are a few thou below block surface which I think is correct.
Next step of course was to take a look at the crank pointer, this is maybe a few degrees out. Not much but worth adjusting.
Good point from Steve about making sure the gauge was imperial measures, most of the new ones are metric. This will make the gauge more usable for run out on discs etc.
( by the way I kept my promise to keep out of the garage over Christmas- well apart from the odd moment or 2 checking all was ok !)
Tim
Series 1 FHC purchased 40 years ago. Courted my wife in it.
Series 1 2+2 when the kids were small now sold.
Series 1.5 OTS in opalescent maroon, Californian car. My retirement present.
Series 1 2+2 when the kids were small now sold.
Series 1.5 OTS in opalescent maroon, Californian car. My retirement present.
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#13 Re: Dial test indicator
Hi Tim..you do realise that when checking tdc on the piston tops that as you turn the crank the piston rises up gets to the top and than stops.. as you continue turning the crank then starts to go down....at the crank pointer tdc is the mid position between when the piston stops and when it starts to move again.....watch the dial guage it's easy to see....Steve
Steve
69 S2 2+2 (just sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
69 S2 2+2 (just sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#14 Re: Dial test indicator
Thanks Steve,
I think I took note of this but you’ve made me think again, I’ll check tomorrow
Tim
I think I took note of this but you’ve made me think again, I’ll check tomorrow
Tim
Series 1 FHC purchased 40 years ago. Courted my wife in it.
Series 1 2+2 when the kids were small now sold.
Series 1.5 OTS in opalescent maroon, Californian car. My retirement present.
Series 1 2+2 when the kids were small now sold.
Series 1.5 OTS in opalescent maroon, Californian car. My retirement present.
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
-
- Posts: 3324
- Joined: Thu Jun 19, 2014 3:08 pm
- Location: Near Andover, Hampshire,in D.O. Blighty
#15 Re: Dial test indicator
Tim, as encouraged before, go for the mid point, 90 degree position and halve that as suggested above, please.
It will really help get you to the real TDC.
Geoff
It will really help get you to the real TDC.
Geoff
S2 FHC Light Blue
S2 OTS LHD - RHD full restoration
S2 OTS LHD - RHD full restoration
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#16 Re: Dial test indicator
" does anyone have experience of these low cost ones?"
The best low cost ones are second hand tools. There are several specialists who deal in second hand precision tools. Why buy a new piece of oriental junk when for the same price you can have a tool that has been used by a time served engineer from his apprentice days to his retirement? I learned this lesson first with micrometers. I won't repeat the error.
The best low cost ones are second hand tools. There are several specialists who deal in second hand precision tools. Why buy a new piece of oriental junk when for the same price you can have a tool that has been used by a time served engineer from his apprentice days to his retirement? I learned this lesson first with micrometers. I won't repeat the error.
Chris '67 S1 2+2
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |
#17 Re: Dial test indicator
For Chris, yes , agree good quality secondhand is better. The used one I bought came in a nice little wooden case. A while ago I bought a few taps and dies which I was pleased to see were of “ good British quality “
Anyway back to the TDC issue. I’ve been through it again using the dial gauge and am fairly confident it’s all good now. As a second check I used a depth gauge to measure the very small depth between piston edge to block. Both pistons sit at 98 thou. Thanks to all for the comments on using the alternative method- sorry to ignore your advice - hopefully I won’t regret it !
Fitting the head is delayed since I’ve condemned 2 head studs due to dodgy threads. I had checked these previously but when inserting into the block ( using the double nut method) its was clear that the treads were damaged.
I ran a die nut over them but still had tight spots so I’ve binned them.
Anyway back to the TDC issue. I’ve been through it again using the dial gauge and am fairly confident it’s all good now. As a second check I used a depth gauge to measure the very small depth between piston edge to block. Both pistons sit at 98 thou. Thanks to all for the comments on using the alternative method- sorry to ignore your advice - hopefully I won’t regret it !
Fitting the head is delayed since I’ve condemned 2 head studs due to dodgy threads. I had checked these previously but when inserting into the block ( using the double nut method) its was clear that the treads were damaged.
I ran a die nut over them but still had tight spots so I’ve binned them.
Series 1 FHC purchased 40 years ago. Courted my wife in it.
Series 1 2+2 when the kids were small now sold.
Series 1.5 OTS in opalescent maroon, Californian car. My retirement present.
Series 1 2+2 when the kids were small now sold.
Series 1.5 OTS in opalescent maroon, Californian car. My retirement present.
Link: | |
BBcode: | |
HTML: | |
Hide post links |