So, conceptually, I know I need a degree wheel, a non-magnetic mount for my dial indicator and a means to find TDC (deadstop or indicator). Which bits should I buy? What fits, what'll work easiest (but inexpensively), etc. Brands & sources appreciated! What's the best way to attach the timing wheel? I can't think of much need to get a dial indicator to go down the spark plug hole vs. a deadstop (and it's certainly cheaper!), suggestions? Which tools are escaping my mental inventory right now? Thanks!
A section of heavy wire, or coat hanger, wrapped around a bolt with some washers will make a fine pointer, just bend it as needed. A piston stop is most accurate for finding TDC. I bought a degree wheel from NAPA. It was too large to fit without having it way out in the wheel well. I pulled one down off the internet, copied it, and printed it to the exact size I needed so it was close to the engine. Bolt a piece of steel to the head, your magnetic mount will work fine.
Awesome tips there, I'd already figured to scrounge up a pointer, now I'll print myself up a cardboard degree wheel and feel silly that I didn't think of bolting something ferrous to the engine to save some bucks! I'm ready to get this show on the road and get that CAR on the road!
Some pictures how I did it. First picture on the rear bank, second on the front bank exhaust valves. The arrangement is good enough to define yes/no movement points of the valve, for accurate measurements of the valve lift, you have to arrange the indicator/feeler accurately 90 degrees relative to the valve shim (you will need a longer extender than in the picture then). For the front bank exhaust valves, I used an angled piece of steel as a base for the magnet. You have to stabilize this angle somehow (e.g. weld a bracket over the angle, you do not see this on the picture unfortunately) because every small instability/movement makes it impossible to measure with the required accuracy. Regards Harry Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
