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How do you "use" feeler gauges

Posted By: dOoC

How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/15/11 06:54 PM

.... like checking rod-side-clearance ORE ring-groove-clearance.... what kind of "pressure" do you use in the insertion of that feeler into the slot?

Posted By: rebel

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/15/11 07:01 PM

when we do rockers we're just looking for a slight drag on the blade as we pull it thru.
Posted By: bobby66

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/15/11 07:06 PM

Use a slightly larger gauge as a no-go and the size you want as a "go".
Posted By: Streetwize

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/15/11 07:10 PM

It should slip in tight with no wiggle, if it fits in between the rods it's right. Light oil (like wd-40) wipe on the feeler.

Now on a roller rocker on a valve stem I'll generally use a .002 fatter feeler than I want the lash to be and tighten the rocker/roller down until I can get the same slight tug on the feeler to pull it out....but that's just me
Posted By: aquamist60

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/15/11 07:12 PM

I got a stepped feeler gauge many years ago, maybe from Snap-On? I think. Made checking things a lot easier.
Posted By: BradH

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/15/11 07:17 PM

Well... they're called "feeler" gauges, not "jam-it" gauges; I figure if you're forcing it in at all that you're not getting an accurate measurement.
Posted By: BloFish

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/15/11 07:47 PM

Quote:

Well... they're called "feeler" gauges, not "jam-it" gauges; I figure if you're forcing it in at all that you're not getting an accurate measurement.

That's what she... Oh never mind
Posted By: 1_WILD_RT

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/15/11 08:00 PM

Quote:

Well... they're called "feeler" gauges, not "jam-it" gauges; I figure if you're forcing it in at all that you're not getting an accurate measurement.



Yes but if the gauge has a slight angle to the clearance your checking it will "feel" like the gap is correct... As Wise suggested using the next bigger gauge and getting moderate tension isn't a bad method.. For valves I use a Go/NoGo gauge, for rod clearance where seeing the proper angle is easy I use a standard gauge & expect a light pull...
Posted By: dOoC

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/15/11 08:13 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Well... they're called "feeler" gauges, not "jam-it" gauges; I figure if you're forcing it in at all that you're not getting an accurate measurement.

That's what she... Oh never mind



.... what ...like a 3/8 stem ...with 006 clearance ? ..
Posted By: blown572dart

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/15/11 08:22 PM

between my fingers
Posted By: rickraw

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/15/11 09:00 PM

plain & simple. snug. no pressure. seeya
Posted By: BBLM23

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/15/11 09:16 PM

Quote:

Use a slightly larger gauge as a no-go and the size you want as a "go".


Posted By: Cab_Burge

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/15/11 09:59 PM

Quote:

Use a slightly larger gauge as a no-go and the size you want as a "go".

I use the recommendations of a old Mopar engine guru, if it slides in easy it is to loose,he said it should almost cut your finger to make it slide in. I now use the go no go procedure, if a .016 will go in hard and a .017 won't go in no matter how hard I press on it I'm there at .016
Posted By: RobX4406

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/15/11 10:20 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Well... they're called "feeler" gauges, not "jam-it" gauges; I figure if you're forcing it in at all that you're not getting an accurate measurement.

That's what she... Oh never mind



That's the inside mic... Prefer an interference fit!
Posted By: Dean_Kuzluzski

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 12:15 AM

I've used the "go, no-go" technique for many years. Usually a .002 difference as mentioned.
Posted By: StrokerPost

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 04:23 AM

Quote:

Quote:

Use a slightly larger gauge as a no-go and the size you want as a "go".

I use the recommendations of a old Mopar engine guru, if it slides in easy it is to loose,he said it should almost cut your finger to make it slide in. I now use the go no go procedure, if a .016 will go in hard and a .017 won't go in no matter how hard I press on it I'm there at .016


Yup, if it fits, thats what it is. I used to set mine by the "run it down till snug and set it" routine, (for rockers) then found if I put a bit of pressure on the next larger feeler it would go in too. I like to set it so that I get a loud "snap" when I remove the feeler, but still just be able to put it back in. That 1 or 2 thou difference though, in most cars, will make little or no difference in performance so I dont get in a twist over it. Just my
Posted By: dartman366

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 04:48 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Use a slightly larger gauge as a no-go and the size you want as a "go".

I use the recommendations of a old Mopar engine guru, if it slides in easy it is to loose,he said it should almost cut your finger to make it slide in. I now use the go no go procedure, if a .016 will go in hard and a .017 won't go in no matter how hard I press on it I'm there at .016

thats how I was taught to do it.
Posted By: Quicktree

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 05:47 PM

Doc if you have to ask that question you better stick to fiberglass where you can get close and not worry about it
Posted By: Guitar Jones

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 05:59 PM

Just a slight drag on the gauge. Jamming it or forcing it is not an accurate measurement. Do you clamp a micrometer like a pair of vise grips?
Posted By: domingo

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 06:01 PM

Quote:

Just a slight drag on the gauge. Jamming it or forcing it is not an accurate measurement. Do you clamp a micrometer like a pair of vise grips?

Posted By: rickraw

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 06:04 PM

it's not rocket science. seeya.
Posted By: turbobitt

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 06:26 PM

Quote:

.... like checking rod-side-clearance ORE ring-groove-clearance.... what kind of "pressure" do you use in the insertion of that feeler into the slot?





I done a lot of work in the automotive field with extensive dyno experience in prototype hydraulicly activated valve train components that required very precise lash settings and can make this comment with regards to lash settings and "feeler" gages.

We would put the feeler gage between the valve stem and rocker, then we would turn whatever adjusting screw was nessesary for making the adjustment. When you turn the lash adjuster, you can feel a positive stop when turning the adjusting screw. Then jam the nut and remove the "Feeler" gage. Regardless of how it felt pulling it out, that is where it stayed.

We would never use the gage to "Feel". You can get into very inaccurate readings. You would not believe of much a valve stem can move and wedge the gage when pushing the feeler in and out. Can be worse with non-roller tip rockers.

Allan G.
Posted By: dOoC

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 08:18 PM

Quote:

Doc if you have to ask that question you better stick to fiberglass where you can get close and not worry about it



Hay 'Cain-Fan ... just asking the question ... ... because I got a set of used pistons on eBay that the guy claimed 005 RGC ....and the only way he could have gotten that spec was to have JAMMED the feeler in there.
Posted By: pittsburghracer

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 08:28 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Doc if you have to ask that question you better stick to fiberglass where you can get close and not worry about it



Hay 'Cain-Fan ... just asking the question ... ... because I got a set of used pistons on eBay that the guy claimed 005 RGC ....and the only way he could have gotten that spec was to have JAMMED the feeler in there.



Using a feeler gauge is not the right way to check piston to wall clearance.
Posted By: dOoC

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 08:31 PM

PITTS of-da' Burger ...I said RGC ...
Posted By: pittsburghracer

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 08:36 PM

Quote:

PITTS of-da' Burger ...I said RGC ...



You scare me Doc. You really scare me. Asking how a feelers gauge should feel and the trying to measures a round abject with a flat tool. But like the blond girl at Wallmart was over heard saying. "WHATEVER"
Posted By: dOoC

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 08:40 PM

PITTSguy ..... do you know what I mean by the letters RGC ?

ORE have you started your and weekend EARLY ? ...
Posted By: moparniac

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 08:48 PM

Quote:

Doc if you have to ask that question you better stick to fiberglass where you can get close and not worry about it



lolz~

Quote:

PITTSguy ..... do you know what I mean by the letters RGC ?




RGC - Rough Guess Clearances

ECM - "Eye"Crometer Measurements
Posted By: dOoC

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 08:57 PM

GET OUT yurr reading-glasses SLEDGE ....

How I started this post ....RGC ....ring groove clearance ..

Posted By: Pacnorthcuda

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 09:04 PM

Quote:

GET OUT yurr reading-glasses SLEDGE ....

How I started this post ....RGC ....ring groove clearance ..





I thought you meant Ring Gap Clearance...

The problem here is that one has to think like Doc--and that....well...lets just say its a challenge...
Posted By: dOoC

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 09:08 PM

Well PACman ...... IF you tried READING instead of ....it might beeez clearer

...and ring-gap-clearance ? .. ok THEN - HOW ELSE is that done .. other than with a feeler-guage ?
Posted By: moparniac

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 09:12 PM

Quote:

...and ring-gap-clearance ? .. ok THEN - HOW ELSE is that done .. other than with a feeler-guage ?



eyecrometer
Posted By: dOoC

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 09:18 PM

Quote:

Quote:

...and ring-gap-clearance ? .. ok THEN - HOW ELSE is that done .. other than with a feeler-guage ?



eyecrometer



..... aka -Sledgehammer- ISH ? ..
Posted By: Pacnorthcuda

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 09:26 PM

Quote:

Well PACman ...... IF you tried READING instead of ....it might beeez clearer

...and ring-gap-clearance ? .. ok THEN - HOW ELSE is that done .. other than with a feeler-guage ?



WIth a fEEler gAUge oF courSE! baZINGa docAmundO!!!

that hurt...
Posted By: dOoC

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 09:34 PM

Quote:



that hurt...



dAmN pAcMAN ... you are finally NOT uNcorrect ... that must have HURT !

and (Doc mooning @ the lefty-coast)
Posted By: pittsburghracer

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 09:36 PM

Quote:

PITTSguy ..... do you know what I mean by the letters RGC ?

ORE have you started your and weekend EARLY ? ...



Thanks DOC. You keep things very interesting around here.
ore, rgc, Are you sure you didn't start your weekend early?
Next question will probably be. Why can't I use 1/8 rings on my 5/64 pistons or how much pressure do you apply when using a file?
Posted By: dOoC

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 09:41 PM

Quote:



Are you sure you didn't start your weekend early?

Why can't I use 1/8 rings on my 5/64 pistons or how much pressure do you apply when using a file?



EVERYday is a weekend ferr me ...

R those yurr Q's ? ... START yerr own topic ...
Posted By: Quicktree

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 09:43 PM

Quote:

Quote:

PITTS of-da' Burger ...I said RGC ...



You scare me Doc. You really scare me. Asking how a feelers gauge should feel and the trying to measures a round abject with a flat tool. But like the blond girl at Wallmart was over heard saying. "WHATEVER"

Posted By: dOoC

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 09:48 PM

Qt ..... I have always wondered .... what does your "handle" mean .... 009 "red" ? .. GO 'Cains !

...and I suggest that you READ Pitts-of-the-Burger's newest post.
Posted By: Quicktree

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 09:56 PM

Quote:

Qt ..... I have always wondered .... what does your "handle" mean .... 009 "red" ? .. GO 'Cains !

...and I suggest that you READ Pitts-of-the-Burger's newest post.

again if you need to ask you probably need to check out fishing or an old folks home. Quicktree was a term used by racers before cross-talk and the new starting systems.back when the starting line guy had control of when the lights came down. if you pissed him off he would hit the switch as soon as you turned on the bottom bulb not even giving you enough time to set the trans brake. we called that a Quicktree but you should know that being around drag racing for 70 years
Posted By: dOoC

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 10:08 PM

Oh 'Cains fan ....

And WOO is showing their age and should maybe be in a old-folks-home ? ... BACK WHEN ? ....
Posted By: tboomer

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 10:09 PM

Please keep this thread on topic...or it goes away...
Posted By: Quicktree

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 10:15 PM

Quote:

Please keep this thread on topic...or it goes away...

Posted By: radar

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 10:21 PM

I like to use feeler gauges as nice spring stock when I build tattoo machines... Izzat on topic?

When I set valve clearances like others said, light drag.

I will admit to curling feelers sideways to fit into round clearances in a pinch and even tack welded some in as shims in various applications.
Posted By: 340B5

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 10:47 PM

Very Slight drag, just like those C-clamp thingies w/the numbers on them.
Posted By: Performance Only

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 10:58 PM

it's gonna be a looooong winter.
how to use a feeler guage? Really?

http://www.reluctantmechanic.com/using-tools/thickness_gauge.php

http://www.vtxcafe.com/showthread.php?t=41862

http://crx.honda-perf.org/faq/data/6.html
Posted By: dOoC

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/16/11 11:06 PM

Quote:

Very Slight drag, just like those C-clamp thingies w/the nunbers on them.



GOOD POINT ...and lots of those thingies have a small knob on them to take that guess-work away from that.

And to PO ..... getting any SNOW down in WPB ?

To TEDster ... I think that if any goes off-topic ...THEY should uNappear ... maybe on-vacation up-to the NORTHpole ..
Posted By: moparniac

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/17/11 01:11 AM

Posted By: emarine01

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/17/11 01:27 AM

Hey Sledgie.... When did ya get into the nail polish thing
Posted By: Quicktree

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/17/11 04:11 AM

Quote:

Hey Sledgie.... When did ya get into the nail polish thing

no kidding thats just gay always thought something was wrong with the boy.
Posted By: dOoC

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/19/11 04:43 AM

Quote:

Quote:

Hey Sledgie.... When did ya get into the nail polish thing

no kidding thats just gay always thought something was wrong with the boy.



StReEt CaR!

His spelling is slightly wacky too ...
Posted By: quick77rt

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/19/11 05:15 AM

what kind of "pressure" do you use in the insertion of that feeler into the slot.....

I didnt know this was the sports section, but I say hes ready coach Its gonna be a long winter.

I use them in the manner which they were made for, Doc your a real freak.

Id be asking the quality of the set one is using...ive some old old sets that are so nice to use and made well, look at the made in china sets at autozone....I hope there quality is better then there other products.

A better thread would be 100 uses for a feeler gauge.
Posted By: MR_P_BODY

Re: How do you "use" feeler gauges - 12/19/11 06:02 AM

Its pretty simple to me... I beat them in with a hammer
and pull them back out with a come-along... what so
hard about that... takes awhile to do all of the valves
but I get them done right.... but what does that matter,
I'm retired and on my CHEAP pension ....
no I just use a fair drag to it... not alot... to
me its a feel... maybe thats why they're called
feeler gauges
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