Checking deck height
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 162
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From: NY
Checking deck height
Hello everyone. I'm getting ready to do a topend rebuild and cam on my 1994 Road King and although I have done a bunch of research and watched many videos, I'm sure I'll have some question.
My build consists of Hillside headwork, 10:1 pistons, a woods w6 cam and a thunderjet for my s&s super e. I am also adding a dynatek ignition and I'm tuning it with a wego 3.
My first question is about checking deck height. I bought a zippers deck height tool and a good straight edge to make sure I set my squish correctly. Since my pistons will already be installed in my cylinders when they come back from Hillside, can I install them without installing the circlips so I can measure deck height without the base gaskets? Then I can pull the piston pins and add the correct combo of base gasket and head gasket to get the squish right.
Geegg
My first
My build consists of Hillside headwork, 10:1 pistons, a woods w6 cam and a thunderjet for my s&s super e. I am also adding a dynatek ignition and I'm tuning it with a wego 3.
My first question is about checking deck height. I bought a zippers deck height tool and a good straight edge to make sure I set my squish correctly. Since my pistons will already be installed in my cylinders when they come back from Hillside, can I install them without installing the circlips so I can measure deck height without the base gaskets? Then I can pull the piston pins and add the correct combo of base gasket and head gasket to get the squish right.
Geegg
My first
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 3,037
From: Brighton, MI
Yes, you can, you could even install only one of the clips, measure, then remove. Make sure you plug any openings in the engine when your put the clips in, so if you drop one, it does not end up in a bad place.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 162
Likes: 50
From: NY
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Cleveland Zoo
Hello everyone. I'm getting ready to do a topend rebuild and cam on my 1994 Road King and although I have done a bunch of research and watched many videos, I'm sure I'll have some question.
My build consists of Hillside headwork, 10:1 pistons, a woods w6 cam and a thunderjet for my s&s super e. I am also adding a dynatek ignition and I'm tuning it with a wego 3.
My first question is about checking deck height. I bought a zippers deck height tool and a good straight edge to make sure I set my squish correctly. Since my pistons will already be installed in my cylinders when they come back from Hillside, can I install them without installing the circlips so I can measure deck height without the base gaskets? Then I can pull the piston pins and add the correct combo of base gasket and head gasket to get the squish right.
Geegg
My first
My build consists of Hillside headwork, 10:1 pistons, a woods w6 cam and a thunderjet for my s&s super e. I am also adding a dynatek ignition and I'm tuning it with a wego 3.
My first question is about checking deck height. I bought a zippers deck height tool and a good straight edge to make sure I set my squish correctly. Since my pistons will already be installed in my cylinders when they come back from Hillside, can I install them without installing the circlips so I can measure deck height without the base gaskets? Then I can pull the piston pins and add the correct combo of base gasket and head gasket to get the squish right.
Geegg
My first
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 162
Likes: 50
From: NY
I'm doing a similar pistons-in-cylinders from a different shop. One clip will already be installed so will do a mock-up with just the pin installed and no base gasket. I already had a depth gauge and micrometer to play with. Just using some PVC pipe sections to hold the cylinder.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Cleveland Zoo
Ya, I'm ahead of my cylinder/piston delivery, just getting prepared.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 3,037
From: Brighton, MI
I measured mine with a straight edge and feeler gauges...I also used the cut pvc tubes to hold the cylinders down. Worked fine for me. The zippers tool is nice, but I just "improvised". YD
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2019
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From: NY
I guess my main reason for getting the zippers tool is so that I can accurately determine TDC before measuring deck height. I suppose I could use a feeler gage and straight edge if I had a helper but it seems like it'll be easier to turn the wheel and look at the gage. I used a straight edge and feeler gages last time and I came up with different measurements every time I measured. I ended up just averaging them.
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Cleveland Zoo
I guess my main reason for getting the zippers tool is so that I can accurately determine TDC before measuring deck height. I suppose I could use a feeler gage and straight edge if I had a helper but it seems like it'll be easier to turn the wheel and look at the gage. I used a straight edge and feeler gages last time and I came up with different measurements every time I measured. I ended up just averaging them.
EDIT: Because I do have an inexpensive dial depth gauge, I tried it to get TDC and can easily hold the indicator and turn the rear tire.
Last edited by OldMike; Jan 15, 2021 at 07:12 AM.