Measuring deck height?

[polkat]

When measuring deck height (center of crank to top of block), without special tools, what other kinds of measuring tools can be used? A yard stick is, of course, not very accurate, but what else can I use that won't cost me a fortune?

 

[Meep-Meep]

To get the proper results for the purpose of figuring compression you should at least break the measurement down to .010". 12" dial calipers might do the trick and they are good to .001". No matter what you are going to have to buy, rent or borrow some good tools if you expect accurate results. Or you can just put it together and rely on the factory machining tolerance - whatever that is.

 

[Cranky]

I made a 'dummy' shaft and bolt it into the block and use a wide base depth mic. This is also how I check blocks for square. I bought the Starrett depth mic at a pawn shop for 40 bucks and it was like brand new. You can also get good idea using one rod and one piston to check for square and get a good idea what the deck height is if you know the compression height of the piston is and if the rod is the right length too. With the economy still sucking you should be able to still find decent machinists tool at pawn shops but when the economy picks up, they will become harder to find....