Measuring deck height?

Posted By: polkat

Measuring deck height? - 11/25/10 09:54 AM

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?

Posted By: 1_WILD_RT

Re: Measuring deck height? - 11/25/10 10:29 AM

I've gotten decent results with a 12" dial caliper.... Measure the height from the deck to the crank bore, add half the bearing bore diameter & you have a good number..

Posted By: BSB67

Re: Measuring deck height? - 11/25/10 02:28 PM

What will you be using the measurement for? I do what 1 Wild RT does for ordering or verifying what is needed for piston CH. It is surprisingly accurate but would not use it for determining final machining.

Posted By: JohnRR

Re: Measuring deck height? - 11/25/10 02:44 PM

Quote:

A yard stick is, of course, not very accurate,

that is classic ... a yard stick

Posted By: Challenger 1

Re: Measuring deck height? - 11/25/10 02:54 PM

Quote:

Quote:

A yard stick is, of course, not very accurate,

that is classic ... a yard stick

Posted By: DAMOPARS

Re: Measuring deck height? - 11/25/10 03:00 PM

Take it to a machine shop

Posted By: RapidRobert

Re: Measuring deck height? - 11/25/10 03:00 PM

May I ask what your wanting to accomplish? You could use the nominal deck height ie 10.725" for a RB and use that to decide if the pistons you have in mind will work then as said mockup & see how much you need to machine to get p/v clearance/quench/cr where you want it

Posted By: BSB67

Re: Measuring deck height? - 11/25/10 04:16 PM

Quote:

You could use the nominal deck height ie 10.725" for a RB and use that to decide if the pistons you have in mind will work

Only if you know the deck has not been cut.

Posted By: polkat

Re: Measuring deck height? - 11/25/10 09:00 PM

Yes, the method 1 WILD RT suggested is what I have in mind. My reason for doing it is to determine if the block is square and if it has been cut. The 12" micrometer mentioned would be perfect, but I haven't been able to find one that size. I noticed that Harbor Freight has a 24" one, but it only measures in fractions or millimeters (no dial). I suppose I could convert a millimeter reading.

Posted By: BSB67

Re: Measuring deck height? - 11/25/10 09:46 PM

I don't think anyone mentioned a micrometer.

Posted By: 1_WILD_RT

Re: Measuring deck height? - 11/25/10 10:16 PM

Quote:

I don't think anyone mentioned a micrometer.

That would work... If you have a 10-11" ball end micrometer...

Posted By: RapidRobert

Re: Measuring deck height? - 11/26/10 04:44 AM

you can set a round rod in the bore and mike off of that then subtract the rods diameter then add 1/2 of the bore dia. As said comes down to the accuracy of your caliper type. When MP machines the decks it leaves straight machining marks whereas machine shop milling machines make circular marks. this might help you determine if yours have been cut

Posted By: @#$%&*!

Re: Measuring deck height? - 11/27/10 09:04 PM

Quote:

I've gotten decent results with a 12" dial caliper.... Measure the height from the deck to the crank bore, add half the bearing bore diameter & you have a good number..

I originally bought my 12" dial caliper for measuring brake drums but I've found other uses for it. It's nice to be able to check whether a deck is stock or hacked to death without hauling it to a shop and bothering someone who has better things to do.
[url=http://lmgtfy.com/?q=12"+dial+caliper]find one here[/url]

Posted By: mr_340

Re: Measuring deck height? - 11/29/10 05:57 AM

Quote:

I've gotten decent results with a 12" dial caliper.... Measure the height from the deck to the crank bore, add half the bearing bore diameter & you have a good number..